Kenilworth Castle Vinaigrette, 1839
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Vinaigrette - 'Kenilworth Castle' - Birmingham 1839 by Gervase Wheeler - 40mm x 27mm; 25g - Ref. No.: LF/2503
This is an excellent early Victorian silver-gilt castle top vinaigrette depicting a scene of Kenilworth Castle to the front.The scene is in excellent crisp condition and the underside has engine turned decoration around a shield-shaped vacant cartouche (no erasures). The interior is gilt throughout and the grille is intricately pierced and engraved with floral scrolls. A fine example of its type.
The massive keep of Kenilworth Castle was built during the1120's. The castle was further fortified by King John between 1210 and 1215, which enabled the occupants to hold out for an epic siege against the army of Henry III in 1266. The greatest period of fame for the castle came during the reign of Elizabeth I when one of her favourites - Robert Dudley, turned the castle in to a great Renaissance "prodigy house".
The celebrated Scottish novelist Walter Scott wrote a novel about the decaying castle in 1821 entitled "Kenilworth" ensuring the popularity of Kenilworth Castle for tourists during the 19th century. The Scottish link for this snuff box is maintained with tartan style engine-turned decoration to the base. In addition, 'A token of friendship' is engraved to centre of base.
