c1890s Antique IHS Religious Vinaigrette Scent Locket Pendant w/ Original Sponge For Sale

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c1890s Antique IHS Religious Vinaigrette Scent Locket Pendant w/ Original Sponge:
$125.00

A fascinating late Victorian to Edwardian religious vinaigrette or scent locket pendant, dating to approximately c.1880–1910.

The small pendant features a decorative raised IHS Christogram to the hinged front, surrounded by intricate Gothic-style scrollwork and a finely beaded border. IHS is an ancient Christian monogram representing the name of Jesus.

The hinged front opens to reveal what appears to be an old fibrous sponge or absorbent material, which may well be original to the piece. Small vinaigrettes and scent containers were traditionally fitted with absorbent material which could be soaked with aromatic vinegar, perfume or scented oils and held near the nose to mask the unpleasant odours encountered in everyday life. Unlike the more familiar Georgian silver vinaigrettes, which generally incorporated a pierced inner grille over the sponge, this unusual religious example opens directly onto its contents. For this reason I have described it as a vinaigrette/scent locket rather than attributing its precise original use with certainty.

DetailsMaterial: Silver tone metalDimensions: 2.7 cm across × 1.1 cm deepFastening: Hinged opening; suspension loop for wearing as a pendantEra: Late Victorian / Edwardian, approximately c.1880–1910Hallmarks: None Origin: Sourced in France

Condition: Good antique condition for its considerable age, with surface wear, patina and discolouration consistent with use and age. The old red/orange fibrous material remains inside and has deliberately been left untouched. Please refer to the photographs as part of the condition description.

US Buyers: Kindly note that due to the new tariffs parcels from New Zealand can only be sent to the US by NZ Post Express service including tracking and insurance. This is very expensive but the only option available. Therefore I kindly ask you not to comment on the postage fees. All import charges, tariffs and duties will be charged to the receiver and are not included in the shipping cost.
All other international buyers: Shipping willbe from New Zealand byNZ Courier Tracked Economy Post including tracking and insurance.General Information: Please note that any import duties, taxes or charges are not included in the item price or the shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and please check with your country's customs office to determine what the additional cost could be prior to offerding or buying.