19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette

This early 19th-century Swiss gold vinaigrette has the charming addition of a musical mechanism. The entire box is crafted of 14K yellow gold enveloped in delicate engine-turned work, black champlevé enamel and engraved detailing. The musical component is wound via a key inserted into the base and activated with the slide button in the front. Gentlemen and ladies utilized the vinaigrette to avoid the pungent smells that were commonplace in the streets of 19th-century cities. The vinaigrette contained a wad of cotton or cloth material, soaked in perfume, vinegar or smelling salts, held in place by a pierced lid that allowed the carrier to inhale the aromatic substance instead of the “less pleasant” odors one could encounter throughout the day. 

Circa 1820

1 1/4" wide x 7/8" deep x 1/2" high