Antique, Dutch silver smelling salts / sponge box. Known in the Netherlands as a Loderein doosje, taken from the French L'eau de la Reine. Made circa 1850.

Measurements: A little over 1 1/2 inches high and slightly under 1 1/2 inches accross. Weighs 25.8grams.

Box served the same purpose as a vinaigrette, but does not have the grille that would be part of the latter. The box would contain a sponge saturated with smelling salts. <P><P>
Rectangular box with rounded edges. Ridged engine turned surface with delicate herringbone, beaded and diamond patterns towards the margins. The front with applied crest intended for a monogram.

Hinged lid. Inside gilt washed. The top with an overlaid intricate filigree pattern.

Hallmarks: There are a number of hallmarks on the lid, the side and underneath the box. Please see 'photos.  There appears to be a very worn hallmark of sorts on the inside of the lid, but it is no longer legible.

Condition: hinge is a little loose. General age wear, shown clearly in the 'photos. Almost invisible, but noticed when I took the box into bright light, there is a tiny split (under a mm in length) on one side, shown in a magnified picture.

Box is extremely elegant and charming. Much rarer than a regular vinaigrette.Some people call these Peppermint Boxes, but I read that Peppermint boxes are bigger than this type of box and not to be confused with them.  

 Some people call these Peppermint Boxes, but I read that Peppermint boxes are bigger than this type of box and not to be confused with them.