Vinaigrette

John Bettridge specialized in the manufacture of small silver boxes, caddy spoons, decanter labels, flatware and vinaigrettes. Two silver hallmarks are known for John Bettridge and were used from 1817-1834: Bettridge died in 1835. The Met’s collection includes two further John Betteridge vinaigrettes (1983.575.13 and 1983.575.20) and a caddy spoon (13.42.68).


The cover and base of this vinaigrette are decorated with bright-cut engraved leaves, acorn and floral forms surrounded by an embossed floral border. The hinged silver-gilt grille is pierced and embossed around a central rosette.


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.