This exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique Victorian sterling silver and celluloid vanity set consists of a hand mirror, a pair of hair brushes, a pair of clothes brushes, a pair of scent bottles, a pair of pin jars, a toothbrush holder, a soap jar, a hip flask and a boudoir clock.
Each blown and cut glass container bears a plain silver gilt mount to the rim; due to the variety in sizes these versatile jars could be used for a multitude of functions.
The glass vessels are fitted with a domed silver gilt cover, bearing an impressive applied monogram initials 'MK' to the centre; the toothbrush, soap and one of the pin jars have push fit covers and the second pin jar bears a screw fitment.
The scent bottles bear hinged covers, which open to reveal the original hallmarked stopper and cork to the interior.
The exceptional cut glass hip flask has a plain cylindrical sterling silver gilt mount with a hinged circular plain domed cover, securing with a bayonet fitting*.
The plain lower portion of this silver hip flask is fitted with the original hallmarked push fit sterling silver gilt beaker; this bears further applied monogram initials, reflecting those to the covers.
The surface of the exceptional waisted rectangular-shaped boudoir clock is plain and embellished to the upper incurved plateau with further applied monogram initials.
The upper portion of the clock further bears a plain angular swing carrying handle with ball style terminals.
The white enamel dial is ornamented with black hour Roman numerals, encircled with plain black chapter ring of minute markers.
The face of this timepiece is visible through a rectangular bevelled glass 'window'.
The hallmarked hinged door opens to reveal the original French eight-day movement; the door has a subtle rounded thumbpiece to facilitate opening.
The clock movement is fitted with an incorporated hinged winding key featuring an a shaped handle with lobed fingerpieces.
The antique celluloid hand mirror and hair brush have an oval shaped form to a rounded handle and the clothes brush bears an elongated rounded rectangular form; each piece bears further applied monogram initials.
The mirror retains the original oval-shaped bevelled glass.
Each brush bears the original horse hair bristles.
This exceptional and comprehensive set is fitted to the original carry case, bearing internal covers with a clip fastening to ensure a secure fit during transit.
The case retains the original lock and key; one lock remains functional and the other is deficient.
The case retains the original matching trinket case, bearing a velvet fitment creating a a well bordered by an integrated ring holder.
The cover of the case bears a finger loop to the upper plateau and secures with two press stud fastenings.
Such antique travelling vanity sets incorporating a clock and hip flask are rare to the market; this set is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
This extensive set will have been crafted in the same year, but due to the hallmarking system the clock is struck with the date letter 'c' and the remaining pieces bear the date letter 'd'.
A gentleman's antique traveling vanity set with a clock and hip flask is a refined gift, ideal for milestone birthdays, retirements or as a distinguished groomsmen or best man gift. Its craftsmanship and historical charm appeal to antique travel memorabilia collectors.
* There are two recommended methods to ensure that the cork does not dry out and shrink:
Method One: Keep fluid in the flask at all times, and keep the flask on its side to ensure the cork remains wet.
Method Two: Fill the flask to the brim with fluid and close. Leave it like this overnight, or for 24 hours if possible, before use.
Maker: Norman Marshall
Date: 1899
