Georgian Silver Vinaigrette very small in size Joseph Willmore Birmingham 1814

Georgian Silver Vinaigrette very small in size Joseph Willmore Birmingham 1814. Half the size of most vinaigrettes. Octagonal shaped, the cover is engraved with flowers and prick work surround, vacant centre, the base simple foliate centre engraving. Plain pierced silver gilt grille, indicative of early grilles. The interior gilding and hallmarks are excellent. including JW makers mark in circular serrated punch, his first mark used between 1797 and 1834. Joseph Willmore, who worked between 1797 and 1843, is described by Eric Delieb as "a superlative silversmith, who produced some of the finer vinaigrette shapes, with quality embellishment, he was preoccupied with fine workmanship" - Silver Boxes, page 118. Measures: 2.30 x 1.6 x 0.5 cm. Weight: 5.56 grams. Condition: Good, no repairs, tight hinge closures, good hallmarks to interior of cover, base and importantly the grille. Reflections purely from photography only.

A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. The interior is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged pierced inner lid or grille kept the soaked sponge in place. It may have been used to revive someone from a fainting spell. The maker of this vinaigrette, Joseph Willmore, was probably the most diverse manufacturer of "smallware" in Birmingham during the first half of the 19^th century. He registered his mark at the Birmingham Assay Office as a snuff-box maker in 1808 and continued to register marks until 1843. His death in 1855 brought an end to the Willmore connection with silversmithing which had begun with his grandfather Thomas in 1773. As well as having premises in Birmingham, Joseph Willmore had a showroom in London. He was described as a gold and silversmith and patent snuffer maker.