A bottle with strange contents

[Maggie.]

Short answer - I believe in the days of tight corsetry one could frequently become faint due to the pressure put on the lower ribs and diaphragm due to the corest lacing. A quick whiff of the smelling salts would revive the poor woman.

Most efficacious indeed. 

[Maggie.]

And a long answer:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smelling_salts

They are still used today.

[Sinann]

You have it solved but my first thought was would the balls have kept the salts liquid, like when there was ball bearings in nail varnish.

[Greensleeves]

Oh yes Sinann, I had forgotten about that!

[Wiggy]

Lovely item Maggie!   

I saw one of these being bought - and sold - on Bargain Hunt recently and they were told it was for smelling salts!  Didn't have the balls in it though!   The enamelling is very attractive isn't it.

Just imagine reviving with a sniff of ammonia (plus other) - enough to give anyone a stiff back!   

Wiggy   

[Maggie.]

I'm rather fond of it Wiggy - it's a nice little memory of my Grandmother and good to have it confirmed as to what it is.

Thanks everybody for your interest and input.

Maggie