Antique Vanity Cases – Here’s a Fine Example

When Carol King wrote the lyrics to “You’re So Vain” she probably wasn’t referring to Victorian ladies and Antique Vanity cases but the item we are featuring in this post is certainly worthy of a song, if for no other reason  than its sheer scope.

It seems that when Victorian ladies became more likely, and able, to travel around as they needed to, they decided that theere were some things that they needed to take with them. Nearly all of these things were connected with their appearance and included a host of lotions and potions and other aids to looking good.

Spotting a gap in the market, some enterprising manufacturers developed pieces of luggage, or travelling paraphernalia, which became known as “vanity cases” and these delightful sotrage boxes, full of “must-have” items, would accompny the female owner on her travels.

This particular  Antique Lady’s Vanity Case  was made  in 1878 and is a particularly fine, and capacious, example of how a vanity case should be, having no fewer than ten jars to hold those things that ladies seemed to need when travelling.

Antique vanity Case Howell James and Co 1878 

This case, which measures 18cm high x 31cm wide and 22cm deep contains ten sterling silver topped jars and bottles, and the complete set of five mother of pearl mounted manicure tools all displayed on purple velvet. There is a sprung concealed drawer on one side and another one in the bottom, these drawers spring open when the brass buttons are pressed.

The bottom drawer is velvet lined to provide storage for jewellery. Another secret compartment is concealed inside the lid, which can be removed to reveal a secret tooled leather hiding place for letters and documents as well as a useful mirror.

The jars and  bottles are sterling silver topped and have hallmarks for London 1878 together with the makers mark of the renowned silversmith and box maker George Betjemann & Sons.

The case carries the mark of Howall James & Co, Regent Street, London who were well known retailers. This antique vanity case is made of coromandel wood, which is extremely rare and expensive and would only have been used on very high quality items.

On offer by Regent Antiques for just £2450. You can see more photographs and get further details here or visit our London showrooms to see this and other fine examples of Antique furniture and collectables.