An unusual William IV Handbag Vinaigrette made in Birmingham in 1833 by Gervase Wheeler.

An unusual William IV Handbag Vinaigrette made in Birmingham in 1833 by Gervase Wheeler.

£1,100

The Vinaigrette is beautifully modelled as a handbag and is engraved all over with wriggle work designs on a prick dot ground.  The front also displays an oval cartouche containing a set of contemporary script initials, these being of the original owner.  The  cover is engraved with trailing bands of foliate motifs, surrounded by a prick dot frame.  This example displays a twisted ropework handle and the cover opens up to reveal a very slender grille pierced and engraved with stylised foliate motifs, within a bright cut border.  The Vinaigrette is well marked on both the base and the underside of the cover and is one of the more unusual "Handbag" Vinaigrette designs, which is seldom seen today.

Length: 1.45 inches, 3.63 cm.

Width: 1 inch, 2.5 cm.

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