Vinaigrettes – which comes from the French for vinegar – are small, hinged boxes which were popular in the 18th – 19th centuries. They have a grill inside to hold a sponge in place which was soaked in different perfumes or aromatic vinegar.
This masked unpleasant smells which were common in the crowded urban environments of that time, and they became a fashionable accessory to own.
They could be hung from chains and bracelets or carried around in purses to be held under the nose when needed.
The interiors of the sterling silver boxes were often gilded to protect them from the harmful chemicals like acetic acid which does not affect gold.
Next week we will be discussing Snuff boxes…