Dressing / Vanity

Mirrors, Dressing Sets, Perfume Bottles, Photo Frames

Antique silver mirrors were comparatively rare prior to the late 19th century. The first examples were usually easel mirrors, made to go with a full dressing toilet set, although the smaller examples were perhaps intended to be hung on the wall.

Dressing / Vanity

Mirrors, Dressing Sets, Perfume Bottles, Photo Frames

Circa 1580

10187 Elizabeth I Antique Silver Bottle
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A fantastic little collector’s item. A rare 16^th century silver bottle, tiny size, probably for perfume oil or holy water. The detachable screw top contains a space inside for either a cork or dip stick. The body is finely engraved with hatched ornament typical of the mid to late 16^th century. Weight 20 grams. Height 6.5cm (to the top), 4.3cm (to top of body). Base measures 3.2cm x 2.2cm. English. Circa 1580. Unmarked silver.
Circa 1650

10297 17th Century Antique Silver Pomander
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An exquisite little historical item dating back to circa 1650. The antique silver pomander of “segmented-apple” form has eight leaf-shaped loculi which unfold when the bell shaped finial is released/unscrewed. The central section has four compartments, for spice, herbs or perfume, which are fitted with small rectangular hinged doors marked with Latin names – “Nerdi” for spikenard, “Carvi” for carroway, “Macis” for Mace and “Cocco” for coconut known for its antibacterial properties. The perfume cells still retain traces of the original perfumed wax compound. Weight 33 grams, 1 troy ounce. Height 4.8cm. Spread 6.6cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver which is quite usual for a small article of this date. Probably Italian. Circa 1650.
Circa 1650

10381 17th Century Silver Skull Pomander
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A fascinating piece of early silver steeped in history and symbolism. Modelled in the form of a skull, this early German silver pomander has a segmented interior to contain fragrant spices. Originally a talisman to ward off sickness and noxious odours, this exquisite item of jewellery could be worn round the neck or suspended from a belt. The skull opens into 2 hinged compartments, one side divided into 6 segments beneath a gilded cover engraved with spice names – Citron, Rosmarin, Rosen, Citron, Schlag, Canel, Negeln, the other side to contain a sponge soaked in the perfumed oils/spices. The screw post, on a later chain, holds the piece tightly together. Weight 31g, 1 troy oz. Height 3/2.2cm. Spread 4cm open, 3.1cm closed. Probably German. Circa 1600-20. Unmarked silver.
1675
Isaac Dighton
9172 Charles II Antique Silver Boxes
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A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of octagonal form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of King Charles II. Sterling silver. Simple plain form with a large hand engraved crest within tied plumage, very typical of the date. Superb antique colour. At this date boxes of this type would have originally been part of an extensive toilet service. Total weight 239 grams, 7.6 troy oz. Height 3.5cm. Width of top 9cm. London 1675. Maker Isaac Dighton, London.
Circa 1680

9724 Antique Dutch Silver Marriage Box
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A 17^th century silver casket of traditional rectangular trunk form having a domed top with swing handle. The openwork cast body is smothered in flower heads and scrolling foliage. Bold flowers, including poppies, tulips and daffodils were very popular during the mid to late 17th century. The hand chasing is excellent. The body stands on four little ball and claw feet and has a front locking catch. Weight 159 grams, 5.1 troy ounces. Height 6.6cm (7.5cm with handle extended). Length 8.2cm. Depth 5cm. Stamped inside on the base twice with a maker’s mark (bird?) unidentified. Dutch. Circa 1680.
Circa 1680

9855 17th Century Continental Silver Pomander
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A fascinating piece of history contained in a small silver globe. This antique silver pomander of spherical form has all-over chased decoration of flowers & leaf-scrolls in low relief. The screw top unturns to release the six numbered, hinged segments with sliding covers, the interior with hand engraved flowers. The foot unscrews to reveal a secret hollow compartment. Weight 89 grams, 2.8 troy ounces. Height 6.5cm. Spread 9cm fully extended. The pomander is made of unmarked silver It is quite usual for a small article of this date to be unmarked. Probably Dutch. Circa 1680.
Circa 1690

10335 17th century Antique Silver Scent Flask
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A rare early English silver scent bottle with a screw top and attached chain with finger ring. The perfume flask is in the form of a miniature medieval pilgrim flask and is hand engraved with foliate decoration. The posy ring is inscribed inside “A” and “My night is all my delight” together with a little mouse figure. Weight 29 grams, just under 1 troy oz. Height 5.9cm. Width 3.1cm. Base measures 1 .8 x 1.3cm. Probably London circa 1690. Maker’s mark of E.H.
Circa 1690

10348 William and Mary Antique Silver Pilgrim Flask
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A rare early English silver drinks flask of small size in the form of a medieval pilgrim flask. Plain form and heavy gauge silver with a screw-on top. To the front there is a large decorative cartouche hand engraved with an armorial for the Nutt family. Weight 132g, 4.2 troy oz. Height 12cm. Width 8cm. Maker “BR conjoined”. London circa 1690. Sterling silver.
1702
Richard Syng
7929 Antique Queen Anne Silver Boxes
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A very rare matching pair of early antique silver boxes of circular form, with pull off tops, dating from the reign of Queen Anne. Britannia standard silver*. With the typical ribbed decoration of the period and gadroon borders. Uninscribed. Total weight 845 grams, 27.1 troy ounces. Height 10.5 cms. Diameter 12 cms (top), 13.75 cms (base). London 1702. Maker Richard Syng, London.
Circa 1720
Paul de Lamerie
10174 George II Antique Silver Bell
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An excellent quality silver hand bell by the sought after Huguenot silversmith Paul de Lamerie. Good plain style with concentric bands around the centre and bottom rim. Heavy cast silver. Weight 226 grams, 7.2 troy ounces. Height 10.2cm. Diameter 6.7cm. London circa 1720. Maker Paul de Lamerie. Britannia Standard silver, 95.8% purity.
Circa 1740

9621 Antique Gold Pique Box
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An antique tortoiseshell box of circular bombe form inlaid overall with gold pique dot work. The cover and base are overlaid with solid gold cut work ornament of classical figures and motifs. Diameter 6 cm. Height 3.1 cm. Circa 1740. Probably English. Unmarked gold.
Circa 1780

9627 Antique Continental Silver Pin
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An interesting antique silver pin with cut out decoration. Weight 10 grams, under 1 troy ounce. Length 14.6 cm. Stamped with continental silver marks, possibly Dutch. Probably 18th century.
Circa 1780

10236 18th Century Antique Silver Etui
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An attractive little travelling set in a clip top silver case of tapering rectangular form. The embossed decoration is very charming with a village scene, 2 dogs and a goose. The interior is fitted with a penknife, scissors and pencil. Length 8.8cm. Width 3.3cm. Unmarked. Continental. Circa 1780.
1802
Richard Lockwood And John Douglas
9343 George III Travelling Toothbrush
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A beautifully made antique sterling silver toothbrush together with the matching double lidded tooth powder box. All in the original tooled leather case. Brush length 13.2 cm, width 3.6 cm. Box length 9 cm, width 2.7 cm. Red tooled leather case 9 x 2.7 cm. London 1802. Maker Richard Lockwood and John Douglas.
Circa 1820

8989 Antique Silver and Shagreen Etui
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A ladies set. An interesting travelling set of sewing and manicure instruments in a silver mounted shagreen case. Most pieces have small silver marks, unidentified. Continental, circa 1820.
Circa 1820

10213 Antique Gold Vinaigrette
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A lovely little novelty collector’s item. An early 19th century gold vinaigrette modelled as a travelling case. The hinged cover, with a carrying handle, is inscribed ‘Souvenir’. The cover opens to reveal a pierced hinged grille. 2 coloured gold, the body is a rich yellow gold and the flower highlights and body fluting are in copper gold. Approx. measurements – height 2cm (handle extended), length 1.8cm, width 1.5cm. Weight 4.7grams. Circa 1820. Unmarked gold. Continental.
1830
Edward Barnard & Sons
9741 Antique Silver Bell
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An attractive antique silver hand bell with an embossed design of flowers and foliage. Good quality construction and heavy gauge silver. To the front is an engraved crest. Weight 159 grams, 5.1 troy ounces. Height 12 cms. Diameter 6.5 cms. London 1830. Edward, Edward Jnr, John and W. Barnard. Sterling silver.
1830
Joseph Angell
10230 William IV Antique Silver Bell
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An excellent quality antique silver table bell with delightful flower and foliate decoration throughout. Good quality construction and heavy gauge cast silver. Rings beautifully. Weight 232 grams, 7.4 troy oz. Height 13.5cm. Diameter 6.8cm. London 1830. Joseph Angell I. Sterling silver. 19^th century.
Circa 1840

9310 Antique Silver Bell
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An attractive antique sterling silver bell, the handle fashioned as a classical young man. Weight 265 grams, 8.5 troy ounces. Height 12.7 cm. Diameter 4 cm. Stamped round the base with Italian silver stamps for Rome. Circa 1840.
Circa 1860

8465 Antique French Silver Scent Bottle
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An excellent quality antique scent bottle with a decorative silver mount. The hinged top has a hand engraved design with flowers, leaves and dot scroll work. The oval shaped body is made of multi faceted crystal and typically of the period, has a rounded base which was made to lie down. Traces of the original gilt finish. H 11.2 cms. Width 4 cms. Stamped on the mount and top with very small French silver marks, circa 1860.
Circa 1860

7991 Antique Dutch Gold Scent Bottle
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A rare and delightful antique scent bottle with a decorative gold mount. Excellent quality. In the original fitted box. The beautiful gold mounted top has a hand engraved design with a classical Greek key border and scroll work additions, inside the hinged top there is a small glass stopper. The oval shaped body is made of multi faceted rock crystal and typically of the period, has a rounded base which was made to lie down. Bottle height 10 cms. Width 4.25 cms. Stamped on the mount with a small Dutch gold mark, circa 1860.
Circa 1880

9891 Antique French Gilt Metal Magnifying Glass
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A decorative antique eye glass or monocle with a decorative handle. Can be worn on a chain. Length 7.7cm. Width 3.8cm. Gold cased (gold on metal probably brass). Unmarked. French. Circa 1880.
Circa 1880

10411 Antique French Gilt Lorgnette
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A very attractive antique eye glass (or lorgnette) with an intricate decorated handle. Can be worn on a chain. Length 7.5cm. Width 4.2cm. Gold cased (gold on metal probably brass). Unmarked. French. Circa 1880.
Circa 1880

10414 French Antique Silver and Pearl Purse
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A very pretty little purse fashioned in real mother of pearl. The applied panel of silver is decorated with exquisitely pierced scrolls and flowers. The purse has a push button action and opens out into 3 sections. The pinky red interior is original. Measures 5.9cm x 7.5cm. French. Circa 1880. Unmarked silver.
1881
Hunt & Roskell
9721 Victorian Silver Gilt Mirror
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A fine antique silver gilt dressing mirror of waisted form surmounted by two large putti flanking a monogrammed cartouche. The whole frame has magnificent applied decoration in the rococo revival style; the cast pendant floral sprays to the border are particularly stunning. The wooden easel back has hanging hooks and wire. Height 58.5cm. Width 41cm. London 1881. Maker Hunt & Roskell, late Storr & Mortimer. Numbered 8158. Sterling silver.
1882

7109 Antique Russian Silver Purse
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A delightful little antique silver purse in the form of a handbag with a carrying chain. Excellent decorative detail including faux basket weave and shaped leather straps with buckles. Original gilt interior. Weight 66 grams, 2.1 troy ounces. Height 6cm (excluding chain). Width 7cm. Stamped on both sides with Russian silver marks including the grade “84”, town mark, the year 1882 and the makers mark.
Circa 1890

8346 Antique French Silver and Enamel Lorgnette
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An attractive antique silver and niello enamel folding magnifying glass or eyeglass with a spring clip. This attractive black and white checked niello decoration originated from Russia in the 10th century. Length 12.3 cms. Spread across the lenses 10 cms. Diameter of lense frame 4 cms. Marked with the silver grade “935” between the lenses and with a French control mark on the carrying loop. French. Circa 1890.
Circa 1890

8834 Antique French Silver Lorgnette
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A decorative antique gilt silver folding magnifying glass or eyeglass with a spring clip. Length 15.5 cms. Spread across the lenses 14 cms. Unmarked silver with gold finish. French. Circa 1890.
Circa 1890

9886 Antique Enamel Opera Glasses
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An attractive pair of antique opera glasses made of gilt brass metal and enamel. The binocular tops and extension knob are made of real mother of pearl. The scarlet red enamel barrels each have a large hand painted portrait of a young woman, the flower head and foliate edged cartouche is painted in gilt and silver leaf. Measures – width 10cm, closed height 4.9cm, extended height 6cm. French. Circa 1890. Retailer’s mark for Chevalier, Paris.
1893
Sampson Mordan & Co
8240 Antique Silver Perfume Bottle by Sampson Mordan
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A delightful sterling silver cylinder scent bottle, with a hinged flip top and glass stopper. The bottle is finely engraved in the Kate Greenaway style, with two little girls sitting on a wall looking at a snail, there is a church in the background. Original gilt interior. Height 5.5 cms. Diameter 2.5 cms. London 1893. Maker Sampson Mordan & Co.
1900
C.E Williams
8018 Victorian Silver Scent Bottle
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An excellent antique silver scent bottle having a hinged lid and ruby glass liner. The silver has a pierced centre and scroll and leaf engraved ends. Complete with internal glass stopper. Height 8 cms. Diameter of top 2.25 cms. Sterling silver. Birmingham 1900. Maker CE Williams.
Circa 1900

8024 Antique Silver Combination Scent Bottle
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A rare combination silver scent bottle with a central compartment for pills. Excellent quality. The silver is beautifully engraved all over. The faceted crystal body is likely to be made from rock crystal. The hinged lid at the top has a turquoise pellet decoration. The central compartment has an ornate pierced grill and a scalloped silver mount. Height 2 cms. Length 8 cms. Width 4 cms. Continental. Unmarked silver. Circa 1900.