Vinaigrette box

This rectangular box reproduces similar items made 100 years earlier. It is hallmarked K. Ltd, indicating Kenart Ltd., a successful maker of jewelry and novelty items in the greater Manchester area. Kenart was founded by James Kenworthy in Ashton-Under-Lyne Lancastershire in the 1890s. During the 1920-30s the firm branched out to Birmingham where this vinaigrette was made. Kenworthy and his sons Fred and Thomas who joined the business are especially known for the brooches in the shape of animals and especially dogs, which were sold at Crufts Dog Show.



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 grill 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. Such vinaigrettes were worn around the neck, on a chatelaine suspended from the waist, or carried in a pocket.