Antique Sterling Silver Hovedvandsæg Vinaigrette Egg Scent Box, circa 1830
- Regular Price
- $350.00
- Sale Price
- $350.00
- Regular Price
Sold Out
- Unit Price
- per
Ships free anywhere in the US
- Item: Vinaigrette / Scent Box / Hovedvandsæg
- Age: Pre-1850 (Circa 1820–1835 Biedermeier Era)
- Material: Solid Sterling Silver Body (.925)
- Stones: 4 Faceted Clear Quartz (Rock Crystal - Presidium Verified) & 1 Faceted Blue Stone
- Country/Region of Origin: Continental Europe / Scandinavia (Denmark/Norway style)
- Markings: Unmarked / No Hallmarks visible (XRF Tested and verified solid sterling silver)
- Condition: Antique/Used with minor age-appropriate tarnish and wear
An exceptionally crafted Continental European sterling silver scent container (Hovedvandsæg), dating to the Late Classicist / Biedermeier period (circa 1820–1835). This luxury vanity accessory exhibits the high-level artistry typical of elite 19th-century silversmithing.
Unique Dual-Opening Design & Structural Features:
- Main Egg Body: Features a prominent central hinge opening to reveal a lovely vermeil (gold-washed) interior lid. Historically, this section housed an aromatic perfume or vinegar-soaked sponge.
- Secret Pedestal Base: The tiered square foot splits open via a small lower hinge into a completely separate dry storage compartment, traditionally utilized for dry smelling salts, wax cloth, or snuff.
- Ornate Exterior: Exquisitely hand-decorated with flat-chased symmetrical laurel garlands and fluted trim channeling Neoclassical architecture.
Condition Notes:
The piece functions flawlessly with crisp, tight hinges and flush closures. The stones are secure in their settings. It displays a stunning, authentic antique patina with light surface tarnish that beautifully highlights the depth of the engravings. Structurally, the piece sits flat and completely stable on flat surfaces, though it exhibits a charming, slight lean to the left when viewed straight-on. This minor asymmetry is highly typical of early 19th-century hand-soldered silver construction and adds to its authentic period character. Please see photos.
The piece functions flawlessly with crisp, tight hinges and flush closures. The stones are secure in their settings. It displays a stunning, authentic antique patina with light surface tarnish that beautifully highlights the depth of the engravings. Structurally, the piece sits flat and completely stable on flat surfaces, though it exhibits a charming, slight lean to the left when viewed straight-on. This minor asymmetry is highly typical of early 19th-century hand-soldered silver construction and adds to its authentic period character. Please see photos.