Vinaigrette box, M. or A. Ebsen, 1845

The design of the box has been engraved with a stipple technique; both covers have a triple-line border resembling a dentelle pattern; in the center of the front cover is a motif with a basket of flowers; the back cover has a central oval leafy cartouche, engraved with the owner's name and date. The spine is engraved with eight pairs of double stippled lines. The cover on the inside of the box is an openwork design of an animal (maybe a sheep) with leafy sprays.Vinaigrettes, popular from the late 18th century through the mid-19th century, were small containers used for holding various aromatic substances, usually dissolved in vinegar. A tiny piece of sponge, soaked in the liquid, was contained beneath a grill or perforated cover. Hallmarks present