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19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
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19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette

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19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette

  • This diminutive Swiss vinaigrette is made of 14K yellow gold
  • Engine-turned engraving and delicate champlevé enamel envelop the entire box
  • This vinaigrette has the rare addition of a musical movement
  • The front slide button activates the lovely tune
  • Get complete item description here
$22,500
Item No. 30-9263

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Description
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.. . .
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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
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19th-Century Swiss Gold Musical Vinaigrette
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Switzerland
Type: Decorative Boxes
Depth: 0.88 in. (2.22 cm)
Width: 1.25 in. (3.18 cm)
Height: 0.5 in. (1.27 cm)

Buy With Confidence

For over a century, we've placed important art, rare jewels and exceptional objects with more than 14,000 collectors worldwide, and have been recognized by trusted publications including Robb Report, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more.

On Approval

On Approval

Examine select works in person before you commit

125% Guarantee

125% Guarantee

Full credit plus 5% annual appreciation for five years

Trusted Expertise

Trusted Expertise

Over two centuries of combined experience across our specialists

Learn More

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