Stunning Victorian Ladies Red Moroccan Leather Travelling Vanity Case with Silver Topped Accessories by Mappin & Webb of London 1901

Here on offer is a stunning antique ladies Victorian red Moroccan leather travelling vanity case, with ornate silver topped accessories, by the famous silversmith’s Mappin & Webb of London, dating to 1901.

The strong case is covered in the finest red Moroccan leather, two leather straps, a stout leather handle and a strong brass sliding lock on the front, sadly now without a key. On the top it has been set with the owner’s initials “R.B.” in gilt lettering.

On the open front edge, it also displays in gilt lettering, the maker’s details being:

MAPPIN & WEBB
2. QUEEN VICTORIA STREET. LONDON

The interior has a red silk cotton lining and is fitted with custom made shaped hoops and slots that hold the accessories neatly in place.

This comprehensive vanity set has eight silver topped glass containers, of varying sizes and all with an ornate floral repoussé pattern, topped with the initials RB, in a gothic font.

Now seven of these containers are stamped with a set of English silver hallmarks, the Lion Passant for English silver (925), a leopard’s head for the assay office of London and the date letter “f” for the year 1901.

They also show the maker’s mark that are the letters “Mn & Wb”, that relates to the silversmith’s Mappin & Webb of London.

Mappin & Webb started in 1775, when Jonathan Mappin opened a workshop in Sheffield. His mission was to create the most beautifully crafted silverware for British society.

The years that followed saw the company expand internationally, receiving Royal Warrants and commissions from Monarchs around the world, and becoming synonymous with excellence, craftsmanship and all things undeniably British.

The company continued to trade throughout both World Wars and its acclaimed Campaign watch, supplied to the Admiralty in 1914, played an integral role in the brand’s widespread popularisation during this time.

Mappin & Webb has been silversmiths to the United Kingdom’s sovereigns since 1897. Today they continue as Jewellers, Goldsmiths, and Silversmiths, to His Majesty, The King.

The remaining container, with the powder puff, has the same patterned top and initials along with London silver hallmarks, but the date letter “e” for 1900.

It is also stamped with the maker mark “HT” which relates to Walter Thornhill & Co (Hubert Thornhill) of New Bond Street, London.

I can only assume that Mappin & Webb outsourced the production of this particular powder puff container?

Seven of the silver tops are gilt lined and the remaining one is fitted with a silver disc (now slightly corroded) that is hallmarked as shown in my photos.

This very comprehensive set has the following additional accessories:

A set of two cloths brushes and the two large hair brushes, all have the same ornate repoussé pattern silver tops, with the initials RB, by Mappin & Webb and all with the date letter “f” for 1901.

The final silver topped piece is what looks to be a tortoise shell comb with a silver edge. The ornate floral repoussé pattern is slightly different, as it includes birds and a human faces or masks, along with the initials RB.

There are three pullout sections two with small leather straps and fold out back supports.

One has two silver topped glass containers, two jewellery boxes and a complete needle set.

Another has five of the silver topped glass containers, a leather cased ink well and match holder/stricker. Sadly, the hinges on the match holder/stricker plate are broken, but could be possibly repaired.

There is also a leather cased set of folding hair tongs, with beautiful natural handles. These would be used with the nickel cased heater, neither of which have ever been used.

The final slide out section is fitted with four “mother of pearl” handled tools, a nail file, corkscrew, button hook and set of tweezers. The metal on these does now show some light rusting to the finish. There is also a small pair of metal scissors. There are five empty slots that may have held other tools?

Inside the lid are a shoe horn, letter opener and pair of glove stretchers, all made from a natural material and marked with the R.B. monogram.

There is also a leather covered beveled glass folding mirror and a folding writing/blotting pad, with a propelling pencil and dip pen.

What is interesting is the blotting pad has been used and but reverse imaging one of the imprints, I can make out the Victorian lady who owned this case was called “Rose”, I just don’t know her surname.

Finally, there is a leather covered glove case that I believe is an addition accessory, added by the lady owner.

Nearly all the accessories are in mint or excellent condition as you can see from my photos. The case has some light scuff marks and there are a couple of splits to the lining inside the lid.

The case measures 20” (50.8cm) by 14” (35.6cm) by 8.25” (21cm).

It weighs a very heavy 9.7Kg.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52315