The 7 1/2 x 12 x 9in (19 x 30 x 23cm) vanity box, with a Bramah lock, contained a set of cut-glass, plated and silver-covered jars and boxes with various mother-of-pearl handled instruments. With the added attractions of two concealed jewellery drawers and the silver bearing London marks for 1885, the box sold to a North Country dealer at £850.
The Goldsmith & Silversmiths man's case, with stainless steel fittings, had a removable tray compartment with silver-mounted jars, bottles, brushes and other accessories marked for Birmingham 1936. Measuring 6 1/2in x 18 x 13 in (16.5 x 46 x 33cm) it sold to a private bidder at £300.
Vanity has lasting appeal at auction
AN airheaded and insubstantial vice it might be, but plainly vanity has lasting appeal at auction, judging by the success of the coromandel veneered lady’s box, top right, and the gentleman’s hide toilet case, bottom right, offered at Amersham Auctions Rooms (15% buyer's premium) on June 6.