Edwardian English Silver Vinaigrette by William Simpson, Birmingham

An elegant English silver vinaigrette by William Simpson, hallmarked Birmingham, circa 1827. This compact piece has a soft rectangular form with rounded corners and a finely detailed lid, richly engraved with scrolling foliage and floral motifs that catch the light beautifully. A delicate dotted border detail runs along the side, adding a crisp, tailored finish to the design.

The vinaigrette opens to a gilt-lined interior, fitted with its original pierced and engraved grille, intended to secure a scented sponge or aromatic material—an essential personal accessory of the period used to freshen the air and provide a pleasant fragrance while traveling or in crowded spaces. The interior gilding remains warm and lustrous, offering a striking contrast to the bright silver exterior.

Dimensions: approximately 1.15" long x 0.8" wide x 0.35" tall.
Condition: Very good antique condition overall, showing light wear consistent with age and use. Please note: there is a tiny loss of silver at the hinge, visible on close inspection, but it does not detract from the vinaigrette’s presentation or charm.