A Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette, Birmingham 1858 by Aston & Son

Of oval form with waisted sides, the hinged lid raised by a chased scroll thumbpiece, with a ring attachment. The lid with a vacant shield shape cartouche below a rose head encircled in Scottish motto band, flanked by foliate scrolls, flower heads reserved with engine turning. The obverse with a spray of bluebells, encircled in a trailing foliate scroll band reserved with engine turning and scrolls. The gilt interior with a hinged grill with pierced and engraved decoration of foliate scrolls. Fully marked.

Length – 4 cm / 1.6 inches

Weight – 21 grams / 0.68 ozt