Vinaigrette box

John Bettridge

1834 · Silver · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

John Bettridge specialized in the manufacture of small silver boxes, caddy spoons, decanter labels, flatware and vinaigrettes. The Met’s collection includes two further vinaigrettes by John Betteridge (1983.575.27 and 1983.575.20) as well as a caddy spoon (13.42.68). This rectangular vinaigrette has an applied foliate border; the base and lid are decorated with basket-weave engine turning. The name "Else" is engraved on a gold plaque applied to the lid. The ring, attached at one end, allowed the vinaigrette to be worn around the neck or attached to a chatelaine suspended from the waist; the hinged interior grille has pierced foliate decoration. 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.

Artist

John Bettridge

Date

1834

Medium

Silver

Culture

British, Birmingham

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of Herbert K. Reis, in memory of Rose-Frances K. Reis (Mrs. Ralph A. Reis), 1983