NATHANIEL MILLS. An exceptional and very rare parcel gilt Vinaigrette made in Birmingham in 1845.

The Vinaigrette is broad rectangular in form with serpentine shaped sides. The cover and base are unusually, and beautifully, engraved with parcel gilt scrolls and different designs of engine turning. The cover also displays an oval carouche containing script initials. The sides are decorated with scrolls and trellis work and the protruding thumbpiece is decorated with floral motifs. The interior is finely gilded and the grille is pierced and engraved with pluming scrolls and flower heads. A fine example of the parcel gilder and engine turners craft, from the workshops of the finest box maker working in Birmingham at this date.



Length: 1.8 inches, 4.5cm.

Width: 1.45 inches, 3.63cm