Georgian Sterling Silver Articulated Fish Vinaigrette, William Lea & Co., Birmingham 1817

A remarkable early 19th century English sterling silver vinaigrette crafted in the form of an articulated fish. Dating to the George III period, this highly collectible novelty silver piece was made in Birmingham in 1817 and attributed to William Lea & Co., a maker known for finely crafted vinaigrettes and small silver objects.

The fish is constructed from individually articulated overlapping scales, allowing the body to flex naturally. Finely engraved detailing defines the tail, fins, scales, eyes, and head. The head opens on a hinge to reveal the vinaigrette compartment, which would originally have held a small scented sponge soaked with perfume or aromatic vinegar.

The tail bears a series of traditional British silver hallmarks that help identify its maker, silver purity, place of manufacture, and date:

• Maker's mark: William Lea & Co., identifying the Birmingham silversmith responsible for the piece.
• Lion Passant: The traditional English hallmark certifying the piece as sterling silver, 925 fineness.
• Birmingham Anchor: The assay office mark identifying the piece as having been tested and hallmarked in Birmingham, England.
• Date Letter "t": The Birmingham date letter corresponding to 1817.
• King George III Duty Mark: The monarch's profile signifies that the required duty on the silver had been paid during the reign of George III.

The total weight of the piece is approximately 42 grams and measures approximately 4x2x1 

These marks date the piece to more than 200 years ago and provide a fascinating record of the British silver hallmarking system.

An exceptional piece of Georgian novelty silver with wonderful sculptural detail and an unusual articulated form. Ideal for a collector of antique silver, vinaigrettes, Georgian objects, or maritime and fish-form antiques.

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