Billing Antiques

Billing Antiques has been in business for many years.
Our 100% positive feedback is testament to our reputation within this marketplace.
Billing Antiques specialises in fine arts, miniatures, water colours, oils, pencil, pen & ink and 'objets d'art' etc.

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A fine silver vinaigrette (fragrance box) made by Edward Smith of Birmingham in 1863.  The condition is excellent,  with no dents or imperfections and very little wear and tear that one might have expected for an antique of this age. It has a tightly hinged lid and foliate grill. The vinaigrette is approximately 5.75cm long, 3cm wide and 1cm deep. It appears to have been a Christmas gift from one friend to another, as it is engraved in two sets of initials and dated Dec 25th 1872.  It is a master class in engraving with the cover, sides and rear all beautifully engraved and still very crisp a century and a half later. 

Edward Smith maker's mark ES was first registered in Birmingham May 1826 silversmith, Cox Street, Birmingham; Howard Street, Birmingham (from Mar 1827). ES is very well known as one of the most accomplished silversmiths in Birmingham for his fine work on snuff boxes, card cases & vinaigrettes. He worked from 1820-1865.