Antique Solid Silver Gilt Heart Shaped Box/Vinaigrette- 18th Century

Description and Details 

We are delighted to offer this enchanting 18thc. solid silver gilt heart-shaped box made likely of German origin. 

An almost (if not) identical piece is in the Victoria & Albert Museum, London and the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Munich: https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O113781/scent-case-unknown/

Such boxes were usually used as a type of scent case/vinaigrette which traditionally would be attached to a chatelaine and would contain a soaked sponge that soaked up a vinegar-based scent which could be inhaled to ward off unpleasant smells. Furthermore, it would also serve a practical/medical purpose; fainting was quite common with ladies who wore tight-laced corsets and whenever one felt faint it could be used to 'revive' someone in an equivalent manner to modern-day smelling salts. 

Evident by its heart-shaped design, the box not only serves a practical purpose but is also symbolic of romance. It may have been a gift by a man to his fiancee/lover as an engagement or wedding gift.

This particular example is wonderfully intricate with the finest embellishments: an applied cast crown/coronet symbolic of nobility lies on top of the heart and hand-chased/engraved foliate and scrolled motifs adorn the body.

Additionally, its entirety has been gilt (gold on top of solid silver) which not only elevates its magnificence but also protects the silver from tarnishing as much/quickly. 

The box compartment is made incredibly well with a perfect seamless 'snap' closure of the lid in spite of its age - a true testament to the quality and craftsmanship displayed on this piece. 

Owing to its bail at the top, it could also be used in a wide variety of ways even in the modern day such as a pendant or a sartorial accessory. 

Unequivocally romantic, endearing and exquisite, this piece would most certainly be a wonderful gift for someone special or as a fabulous collectable piece of symbolistic and romantic silverware. Its box compartment allows for it to be also used creatively whether it be for its original purpose or for storing small items, mints, medication etc. 

This box is unmarked as is common with such articles of this period/origin and as such we have tested it for silver. 

*All images with other items are for display purposes, this listing is for the title item only. The Albert chain etc can be purchased separately.

Size