Vinaigrette and scent flask

Larger in size than most vinaigrettes, 1983.575.22 is in the form of a hunting horn which seems to have been a specialty of the London firm of S. Mordan & Co. Established by Sampson Mordan (1790–1843), the firm was continued by his sons Sampson Mordan Jr. and Augustus after his death.

Hallmarked on various parts, this example is left plain on the outside. By contrast, the hinged top opens to reveal an elaborate silver-gilt grille, its perforations in the shape of scrolling leaves. A removable screw cap on the horn’s mouthpiece gives access to a flask which could hold perfume, making this a double-ended scent container. The chains allowed for suspension from a belt or chatelaine.

A vinaigrette was intended to hold a tiny sponge dipped in aromatic vinegar. Its interior Is gilded to protect the silver from oxidation caused by the acidity of the vinegar. A hinged and decoratively pierced inner lid or grille kept the sponge in place while its perforations allowed the odor to waft through. A whiff of the vinegar might revive someone from a fainting spell. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.