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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Antique Silver Perfumed Pomander Pendants

I have seen several of these antique pomander pendants over the years, mainly on ebay.  They are usually sterling silver and can be found accented with enameling. They unscrew or open from a hinge at the center, where you place your perfumed cloth, cotton ball or sponge inside the bottom half then screw the top half back on or flip it closed. The small holes around the center emit the perfume.  They may be referred to as vinaigrette pendants or perfume ball pendants.




From a 1912 article in Notions and Fancy Goods, a trade publication for store owners.
"A recent novelty is called a “Pomander”. It is a small hollow silver ball about the size of an ordinary marble, delicately enameled. At the top is a small cap to which is attached a ring for suspending it from a neck chain. When unscrewed a small sponge is disclosed upon which perfume can be poured. The odor of the perfume escapes from small holes which have been pierced in the ball.”



photo by etsy seller VintageInBloom




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