Glorious Georgian Vinaigrette by the Silversmith Matthew Linwood Inscribed with the word 'Recordanza'

THE STORY - I have for a very long time wanted a Vinaigrette for my shop, and when this one came up at Auction, I knew I had found the right one. Vinaigrette's are tiny little boxes where a sponge would have been soaked in vinegar scented with herbs and florals and covered with a grill, they were taken on one's travels and flipped open for relief when the undesirable smells of environment became too much. They were very popular in the Georgian Period used by men and women alike, This Vinaigrette inscribed with the word 'Recordanza' on its lid which I believes means Remembrance, was made by the Birmingham Silversmith Matthew Linwood. Linwood a much collected silversmith was known for his work of silver boxes. The vinaigrette is in cushion form and is engraved with roundels in between which are tiny prick dots. The inside of the Vinaigrette has as gilt wash. This would have been necessary to protect the silver from the acid of the vinegar. The grill is exquisitely pierced with foliate swirls. The workmanship of the case is incredible when one considers the piece is just over an inch in length. The hallmarks are clear to see with the date mark of 'p' in the base of the piece dating it to 1813 and I love anything with a duty mark which this piece has.

AGE - 1813

CONDITION - The Vinaigrette is in very good condition considering it's age. The lid and the grill open and close well with the tiny hinges still strong. The engraving is not as bright as it would have been which is completely understandable as this piece is over 200 years old and I do believe this item has been in use in its life. The gilt interior is beautifully bright, there is a number with the hallmarks of either a 6 or a 9 which I do not quite understand and I do wonder if at some point in it's life it has been re-gilded, but I do not know for certain. There is also a small file mark on one end. Please contact me if you should want more photos.

DIMENSIONS (Approx) - Length 1&1/8" / 2.75cm, Width 7/8" / 2.25cm, Height 1/4" / 1/2cm.

I adore the inscribed 'Recordanza' on the lid of this Vinaigrette and I can't help but wonder what would have been remembered by the owner of this tiny box. Maybe it would have been a tour to Italy where I believe the word comes from. But I will certainly remember this beautiful little item my first Vinaigrette and the disbelief at the incredible workmanship that has gone into this box and I have to say I gasp at the hinges, so tiny and so perfect.