Edwardian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette by Levi & Salaman
Hollowware (Vinaigrette / Snuff Box) · Levi & Salaman, Birmingham. Founded in 1870 by Phineas Harris Levi and Joseph Salaman, they were renowned for high-quality silver novelties, souvenirs, and high-fashion accessories during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Pattern: Edwardian Pierced Grill Novelty, out of production. These items were typically unique or small-batch productions rather than long-running patterns.
Type
Hollowware (Vinaigrette / Snuff Box)
Maker
Levi & Salaman, Birmingham. Founded in 1870 by Phineas Harris Levi and Joseph Salaman, they were renowned for high-quality silver novelties, souvenirs, and high-fashion accessories during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior to prevent corrosion from the acetic acid used in smelling salts.
Dimensions
Estimated 3.5cm x 2.5cm (approx. 1.4 x 1 inches); weight roughly 15-25 grams. This is a pocket-sized personal accessory.
Description
A charming and intimate piece of social history, this sterling silver vinaigrette served as a portable 'fainting box.' Inside, a gold-washed interior protects the silver from acidic aromatic sponges. The piece exhibits the craftsmanship of Levi & Salaman, masters of the English silver trade, featuring a delicately pierced grill that allowed the user to discreetly inhale restorative scents.
Key Features
Gilt-washed interior (vermeil), hand-pierced internal grill, and clear Birmingham assay hallmarks. The compact rectangular form is a hallmark of Edwardian portability.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior to prevent corrosion from the acetic acid used in smelling salts.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish interior with parcel-gilt wash. The interior features a hand-pierced grill (filigree design) allowing vapors to escape. The exterior likely features engine-turned or bright-cut floral engraving typical of the era.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British Hallmarks: 'L&S' (Maker Phineas Harris Levi & Joseph Salaman), Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office), Lion Passant (British Sterling 925 standard), and Date Letter 'f' or 'l' (likely 1905 or 1910 based on style).
Construction Details
Raised and seamed rectangular body with a hand-soldered piano hinge. The interior grill is a separate pierced sheet hand-fitted to the bezel.
Functional Features
Hinged lid with a secondary inner hinged pierced grill to hold a vinegar-soaked sponge or smelling salts. Airtight friction-fit closure to preserve the scent.
Handle & Grip Details
No external handle; features a fingernail lip or 'thumbpiece' for opening. Condition appears functional with original hinge pin.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality machine-assisted die-striking with masterfully executed hand-piercing on the grill. The hinge is expertly integrated with minimal 'wobble', indicating superior tool-and-die work.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark alignment is consistent with Birmingham standards; the 'L&S' mark is correctly struck. Wear patterns on the hinge and thumbpiece indicate authentic age. Construction shows appropriate hand-finishing.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England—the historical 'City of a Thousand Trades' and the heart of the British silver novelty industry.
Era & Period
Edwardian Era (1901-1910). The geometric precision and hallmark style are emblematic of the early 20th-century transition from Victorian excess to Art Deco order.
Age Estimate
Circa 1905-1910. The hallmarks and the specific maker's mark font style align with early 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
A status symbol reflecting the sanitation and health beliefs of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It captures the intersection of fashion, medicine, and social etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Visible surface scratches and minor tarnish consistent with use. Some wear to the gilt wash on the bottom interior. No visible split hinges or major dents. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Values fluctuate based on the intricacy of the external engraving and the condition of the pierced grill.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft cloth and a gentle silver cream like Hagerty. Avoid immersion in liquid to protect the hinge. Do not use dip cleaners as they will strip the interior gold gilt.
Similar Pieces
Nathaniel Mills Vinaigrettes (more expensive/ornate), Sampson Mordan novelty items, or modern silver-plated pill boxes (which lack the internal grill and hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
Vinaigrettes were essential for Victorian and Edwardian women to combat the 'vapors' and the foul smells of industrial London and Birmingham. They were often gifted as tokens of affection.