This silver sphere perforated with star and clover shapes opens from a hinge at the top. Known as a pomander, it was designed to hold a sponge scented with perfume which could be held to the nose to mask the unpleasant odors encountered in every day life. It once hung from a woman's chatelaine or on a gentleman's fob chain but is now suspended from a new sterling silver chain to make it into a necklace. (A useful and practical one if you spend your summers in NYC). British hallmarks.