Nelson Silver Vinaigrette 'Battle of Trafalgar', 1806
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Vinaigrette - Nelson's Victory at Trafalgar - Birmingham 1806 by Hart & Company - 3cm x 2.2cm; 13g - HE/4568
This is a very rare George III period silver vinaigrette made to commemorate Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The front cover of this rectangular vinaigrette is engraved with a vacant, square cartouche to the centre and a foliate border. Opening the hinged cover reveals the true joy of this piece - a hinged silver-gilt grille with a scene of HMS Victory facing left, and embossed 'Victory' and 'Trafalgar Octr 21 1805'. This vinaigrette would have encapsulated the nation's joy following Nelson's famous naval victory and produced to celebrate the event.
The interior of the vinaigrette retains its original gilding and bears a full set of Birmingham hallmarks to the base, including the rarely encountered "H&Co" maker's mark for Hart & Company. The piece remains in excellent condition with secure hinges and original engraving, decoration and gilding.
