Vinaigrette c. 1816 - 1817

This small, square vinaigrette was crafted from silver by T. Simpson and Son. Though diminutive, its cultural presence is quite substantial, particularly in discussions about gender and class. These small boxes were more than mere accessories; they were tools used by women to navigate the often unpleasant odors of 19th-century urban life. Think about the smells of open sewers and crowded streets. Sniffing scented vinegar, or vinaigrette, was a way for women to assert a degree of control over their immediate environment. But also consider the social implications. Vinaigrettes were luxury items, signaling the owner's status and refinement. They reflect the limited options available to women of the time, where even the simple act of breathing required a display of wealth and adherence to social norms. The delicate engraving on this box speaks to the intricate dance between personal experience and social expectation.