Tiffany & Co Antique Sterling Chatelaine Amphora Vinaigrette c.1875

Description

Tiffany & Co Antique Sterling Chatelaine Amphora Vinaigrette c.1875.
A stunning sterling vinaigrette and flask made by Tiffany & Co. c1875. This Edward Moore stylized amphora shaped bottle has delicate hand applied daisies and embellishments. The top chamber of the bottle was used for perfume. The lower chamber unscrews from the threaded top to reveal a vinaigrette chamber with a decoratively pierced and hinged grill. Cotton/cloth soaked in perfume or smelling salts, or in this case - a cotton ball holding in some powdered makeup, could be placed in the chamber under the grill. The grill is held closed by a friction design and still works perfectly to hold the contents secure when opening the chamber. The original cork still resides solidly in the cap to seal the contents in the perfume chamber. The treads are in perfect working shape and thread smoothly. A sterling chain is attached to the handles, and the chain to a sterling loop, that was most likely hung from a chatelaine.
The piece is clearly hallmarked on the underside of the bottle above the vinaigrette chamber.
Marked:
"Tiffany & Co."
"2662"
"Sterling".
"M" (indicating the tenure of Edward Moore, Chief Silver Designer and Head of his Department at Tiffany's.)
"2196"
"Union Square"
The order number “2196” was for internal reference by Tiffany manufacturers. The model number combined with the directorship of Edward Moore places this piece between approx 1872 and 1875.
Measures approx 3 1/4" (5 1/8” with chain and loop) x 1" dia. Total weight is 52 grams.
This is a rare example of this 150 year old design. As you would expect it does show slight signs of use and age. The fact that it is all original, in one piece, and undamaged is exceptional. Each day that passes these get harder to locate.
This would be a great gift for that someone that loves Tiffany’s. This is definitely a piece of their heritage. And by the way, it is a trend these days to wear these on a long necklace around the neck.