A Victorian sterling silver vinaigrette, Birmingham 1849 by Nathaniel Mills

Of shaped oblong form with chased thumbpiece, the lid with an engraved ‘castle top’ scene of a pond with a toy sailing boat, next to a walkway and houses. The waisted sides with engraved decoration. The interior with a gilt hinged pierced grill of foliate scrolls. Fully marked between lid and base, makers mark only to grill.

Length – 4.7 cm / 1.85 inches

Weight – 19 grams / 0.61 ozt