EARLY 18TH CENTURY SILVER POMANDERS (VINAIGRETTES)

Germany, c1700-1725

Left Example Right Example

LEFT EXAMPLE:

The egg form vinaigrette, or “smelling box”, with lathe-turned decoration, unscrewing to reveal a compartment for a

sponge and small compartment for salts, gilt interior

Condition: Excellent, retaining early sponge

Same Size with US Nickel

1.5” Long / .8 oz.

PRICE : Please Inquire

#5565

RIGHT EXAMPLE, with Swan Mark:

The silver egg-shaped vinaigrette, or "smelling box", with lathe-turned basket design, the upper and lower

sections unscrewing, the upper section to hold a sponge, and the lower section to hold smelling salts.

Mark: Swan mark

Condition: Excellent

Same size image, pictured with nickel

1.25” High / 1 oz.

#5500

Note: These amazing tiny pieces of craftsmanship were made in the 17^th and early 18^th centuries, when they were

quite popular for smelling salts.

In the 11th century, aromatic scents came first returned to use in Europe, having been regarded as blasphemous in the Dark Ages.

Crusaders returned from their Eastern travels with multitudes of spices and animal scents, soon worth their weight in gold in a culture

that had little sanitation and fresh running water. The wealthy, aristocratic and clergy carried about on their person small round

vessels, known as pomanders, to pleasantly scent their immediate space. The original rudimentary vessels soon evolved into

containers made of precious woods and metals, so important that they were passed from generation to generation. These small

scent-carrying pomanders were actually believed to protect one's person from evil and disease.

The above 1 inch long egg-form pomanders, also known as smelling boxes, were made in Germany before 1730. They

are amazing pieces of miniature craftsmanship, being finely turned on a lathe and constructed in threaded three parts - one end

for a sponge and the other for smelling salts. The precision and perfection of execution is almost beyond comprehension.

Literature: H. Meininghaus: Gedrechselte Gefäße aus Silber, (Lathe-Turned Containers in Silver);

Weltkunst, Heft 6, June 1998, 1202-1204 (World Art, Booklet)

We welcome and encourage all inquiries. We will make every attempt to answer any questions you might have.

For information, call (901) 761-1163 or (901) 827-4668 or email mfcreech@bellsouth.net

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