Rare Georgian Silver Vinaigrette by John Bettridge Birmingham 1828

Georgian silver vinaigrette with a beautifully gilded and raised pierced grille, surrounded by a detailed floral relief border. It is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1828 and with the makers mark ‘IB’ for John Bettridge. The top cartouche holds the engraved letters ‘MDS’ in fine script. It is surrounded by an engine-turned geometric pattern repeated to the sides and underside. There is a detailed floral scroll relief to the opening. An uncommon maker providing the rare feature of a raised grille. Date & Origin:- Birmingham, England, 1828. Period of George IV. Documented Examples:- MET museum: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/207434 Historical Context:- John Bettridge was a highly prized silversmith based in Birmingham who specialised in making silver boxes, caddy spoons, decanter labels, flatware and very fine vinaigrettes. Some designs, like the raised cast foliate scroll motifs, are rare and unique to Bettridge workshops.