Posted 14 years ago
walksoftly
(167 items)
This box belonged to an elderly relative of mine, she was born around 1900, it may have belonged to her father. It measures 1.25 wide, 1.625 long, .375 high, it has a hinged inner lid with an open leaf motif, below that is a piece of foam like material. It has the initials C M A on the lid, inside on the bottom there is an anchor symbol.
This is a ladies "Vinaigrette." In Victorian times women would carry this little locket and soak the sponge with vinegar or some sort of smell good. They would then sniff it if they weren't feeling well or were suddenly overcome by some sort of terrible smell...Which I'm sure happened fairly often back in the day! Check out this link. http://www.silvercollection.it/pagina6.html
Here's another with an auction value. http://www.etsy.com/listing/46444265/antique-vintage-sterling-silvergold-gilt
I took another look at the inside with a loupe, on the inside lid is the profile of a womans head, Lion profile, and2 letters what looks like a F or a K and an M. On the inside bottom is an anchor, the same letters as the top and an O .
Thank you so much for your help toolate2
Sounds like English markings.... http://www.silvercollection.it/englishsilverhallmarks.html
The anchor probably signifies Birmingham, the town where is was verified, the lion is the silver quality and the lady proves that the duties were paid. If it is in fact a lady and this piece is from England then it's 1890 or earlier. The duty mark was used up until 1890.
Thanks for your help tikiray
You're very welcome!
Thank for the L's officialfuel, toolate2, vetraio50, & BeauxPurdy
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i love the mixture of background patterns which were used - an eastlake/stanford white thing - i think.
@ho2cultcha could you elaborate on the "eastlake/stanford white"
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CindB
Date letter "o" is 1863
anchor mark Birmingham u.k
FM or KM will be the makers initials..
depending on the maker these things can sell for lots
love it ,great item
Oh! And the lady's head would be Queen Victoria 1836-1901 ;-)
Thanks surfdub, I've been looking for the vinaigrette, I wanted to have another look at the letters. I'm not sure where I've stashed it!!