Vintage Victorian style Faux Tortoiseshell Manicure / Vanity Set in Original Case
 
A charming Victorians style manicure and dressing set, beautifully presented in its original shaped case. Pieces like this were popular personal grooming accessories during the late 19th and early 20th century, this one is later when elegant vanity rituals formed an important part of daily life.
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The case itself is particularly attractive, made from a faux tortoiseshell finish with warm mottled tones that imitate the look of tortoiseshell – a material once widely used before conservation laws prohibited its use. The gently curved shape gives the box a refined silhouette, while the small brass clasps add an appealing period detail.
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Opening the case reveals a richly lined interior in pleated purple silk, centred with a small mirror. The original manicure implements remain inside and include several grooming tools with deep cobalt blue colour handles, likely early celluloid / plastic or Bakelite, secured neatly with velvet loops.
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These sets were often given as personal gifts or dressing table accessories, intended to sit within a lady’s boudoir alongside perfume bottles, powder jars and brushes.
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Details
 
Period: early to mid 20th century
 
Case: Faux tortoiseshell finish
 
Interior: Pleated purple silk with mirror
 
Implements: Blue handled manicure tools (likely early celluloid/ plastic/Bakelite)
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Condition: Good antique condition with age-related wear consistent with use. Mirror shows minor age spotting and silk lining has gentle wear.
 
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Why We Love It
 
This piece has wonderful Victorian style dressing-table charm. The deep purple interior paired with the blue tools creates a striking contrast, and the original fitted case makes it a lovely display piece as well as a collectible vanity item.