Rare Victorian Silver Vinaigrette by Edward Smith Birmingham 1856

Victorian silver vinaigrette with a beautifully gilded interior and pierced grille. It is fully hallmarked for Birmingham 1856 and with the makers mark ‘ES’ for Edward Smith. The top cartouche holds the engraved letters ‘LMS’ in fine script. It is surrounded by an engraved floral scroll pattern repeated to the underside. There is a bar in relief to the opening, the ornate ’serpentine’ shape adding to its tactile design. Inscribed within “From A.M.B & E.E.B”. Date & Origin:- Cox or Howard Street, Birmingham, England, 1856. Period of Queen Victoria. Documented Examples Art Institute of Chicago:- https://www.artic.edu/artworks/234282/vinaigrette Historical Context:- Edward Smith worked from 1820 to 1865, first registering at the Birmingham Assay Office in 1826. Edward operated out of Cox Street and then expanded to Howard Street a year later, he is most famous for snuff boxes, card cases and cigarette cases. Interestingly, his work features scenes and more uncommon forms.