Rectangular vinaigrette with curved sides and chased foliate edges, with a chased flower head and foliate scroll edge, centred with a rectangular cartouche engraved Sarah, otherwise with engine turned decoration. The gilt interior has a hinged pierced foliate grill of a flower head amidst foliate scrolls. In a Moroccan leather case, green velvet interior, with an old label underneath reading “Vinaigrette belonging to Sarah Pinsent, wife of T. S. Jones – October 1830”. The interior has an old sales label for Hobart House, Haddam Connecticut. Contains a sponge.
Vinaigrette length 4.5 cm 1.75 in  Weight 38 gm  
Thomas Smith James (1809-1874), latterly an attorney, the son of John Angell James (1785-1859) and Frances Charlotte Smith (1783-1819) married firstly Sarah Pinsent (1817-1847), daughter of Thomas Pinsent (b. c.1782) and Mary Savery (b. 1780).
Condition: Hinge is very good and secure as is the grill. There is normal high point wear to the edges of the exterior. Normal mellowing of the gilt interior. Deep toning to the silver. Hallmarks are very good. The case is in excellent condition with only minor scuffing and the normal scratches on the top. The writing that is adhered to the label underneath is generally fine. Interior lining very good.
£1,300