A George III silver vinaigrette of curved oblong form and decorated with punched and stippled borders and patterns, the hinged lid with monogrammed central panel and opening to a silver-gilt interior with simple drilled grille, hallmarked John Shaw, Birmingham 1816, length measuring 2.5 cm. Together with a similar, slightly smaller example with foliate scroll pierced grille, only lion passant, Duty mark and maker's mark visible, tentatively attributed to T Simpson & Son (1809-1824), assumed Birmingham, length measuring 2 cm. Gross weight 14 grams. (2).

Both vinaigrettes display general surface scratches, marks, wear and tarnishing commensurate with the age and use. Both would benefit from a polish. Heavier wear around edges and corners and some little dints. Hinges appear in working order. The hallmarks on the John Shaw vinaigrette are located to the reverse of the lid and also to the base, some distortion but still legible. On the smaller example, it appears as though a chain has been pressed into the interior base. This cannot be easily removed. The visible hallmarks are rubbed but still legible.