~ Early 19thC Nathaniel Mills Castle Top Vinaigrette – Scott Monument ~
A beautiful early 19th century sterling silver ‘Castle Top’ vinaigrette by the very well know silversmith Nathaniel Mills.
The ‘Castle Top’ vinaigrette’s and visiting cards, popularised by Mills were cases engraved with British landmarks, sold as souvenirs to
tourists.
This particular case features the image of what looks to be the ‘Scott Monument’ (the Victorian gothic monument situated in
Edinburgh to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott) though Mills died just before the monument was actually completed, so further
research may be needed.
The case is of rectangular form with scroll edgings.
The top is engraved with the image of the Scott Monument on a machine turned ground.
The reverse has incised floral engraving with a small plain cartouche to the centre.
The sides of the case have similar floral engraving.
The case has a hinged lid which opens to reveal a gilt interior with hinged, pierced grill.
Below the grill is the felt pad which would have been soaked with perfume, or aromatic vinegar. The pad looks to have been glued
into place.
The vinaigrette is hallmarked with the monarchs head and lion passant and with the initials ‘NM’ for Nathaniel Mills.
We would suspect there to be a full hallmark with date letter to be stamped under the felt pad but this is, unfortunately currently
inaccessible.
~ Dimensions ~
The vinaigrette measures 3.2cm x 5.5cm.
It weighs 30.1g.
~ Condition ~
The face has a few light scratches but in general the case to the outside is in a very nice condition with only light wear commensurate
with age.
There is a tiny bit of damage to the grill near the hinge but this is only superficial and does not affect the grills movement.
As mentioned, the felt pad inside is stuck into place and cannot be removed without some effort .
~ Nathaniel Mills ~
Nathaniel Mills the Elder (1746–1843) was originally a partner in Mills & Langston, Northwood Jewellers.
In 1825, he registered his now well-known now punch mark of ‘N.M’ within a rectangle at the Birmingham Assay Office and
concentrated on working with silver on his own.
Mills contributed to popularisation of the so-called castle-top silver vinaigrette and visiting card; he became one of the most prolific
Birmingham box makers at the time introducing different designs.
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