VANITY & DRESSING TABLE ITEMS
These are charming decorative objects that also can tell much about their owners. Female adornment goes back millennia so you know you are in good company with millions of historical women, and men for that matter. Over the centuries, dress and grooming became a ritual that it’s easy to ignore these days. The quality and variety of vanity items speaks volumes about the pride and detail people took in their appearance.
SMART MID-CENTURY PAIR OF GREEN GLASS SCENT BOTTLES -ONE WITH ATOMISER
This is a great decorator's piece or for a sharp Art Deco style accent to your dressing table, despite dating to circa 1950s/60s. A pair of green glass ribbed bottles, one with a plain lid and one with an atomiser. The puffer has been replaced and the mechanism mended so it works. The plain lid has the screw top insert which could also be converted to an atomiser. The bottle with the atomiser has slightly thicker glass. In excellent overall condition, no chips or cracks. £25
1930S TRIPLE GOURD ART GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH ATOMISER
Beautifully elegant triple gourd scent bottle, believed to be French opaque art glass with marbled effect. Original atomiser with the rubber now rigid and degrading so for decorative use rather than action. An old repair to the neck. 20cm tall. £38
STERLING SILVER AND CUT GLASS ROUND SCENT BOTTLE - BIRMINGHAM 1909 E F BRAHAM LTD
A staple for any Victorian or Edwardian dressing table. Scent wasn't about designer branded bottles, any chemist would mix up a blend to your taste which you could decant into your own choice of beautiful scent bottles or personal travel bottles. A classic Edwardian style this is hallmarked for 1909 by a great Birmingham maker and in superb condition - apart from one little dent to the lid which could be easily repaired. It has the original stopper which is currently stuck in. £55
EDWARDIAN GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH STERLING SILVER EARLY PLUNGE ATOMISER - CHESTER 1909 BY JOHN & WILLIAM DEAKIN
One of the earliest forms for atomiser, having only been invented in the 1880s, this is a lovely example from a quality silversmith. Hallmarks are crisp and clear and the cut glass is in good order. The mechanism itself is not working so it could be restored but it still makes a lovely piece of period dressing, with or without the plunger. Height 6" inc. plunger. £40
LATE VICTORIAN/EDWARDIAN CUT AND ETCHED GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH EARLY SILVER PLUNGER ATOMISER
A great example of early atomisers, with a collar stamped "sterling silver", so this is possibly American and likely circa 1900-1910. The plunger is in good working order with the spring intact and in lovely overall condition. Height 7.5" inc. plunger. £40
MOULDED HOBNAIL GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH ORIGINAL WORKING ATOMISER
In great working order is this moulded glass scent bottle with original atomiser and brass top. Unmarked and believed to be circa 1910-20. No visible damage. £25
1940S/1950S GLASS SCENT BOTTLE WITH OVERSIZED PUFFER
Lovely decorative moulded glass scent bottle circa 1940s/1950s with oversized green silk puffer atomiser with tassel. Puffer is probably not original but helps to make this a lovely statement for your dressing table. Atomiser works but is missing the tube that pulls up the liquid from the bottle which could be replaced. £14
VINTAGE STERLING SILVER VANITY BRUSH SET
Comparatively modern, though still over forty years old, this is a lovely sterling silver vanity set comprising hair brush, hand mirror and clothes brush with opulent and baroque-esque floral relief work. As it’s a more modern copy, its therefore far more affordable and cleaner than its Victorian counterparts and a wash should enable it to still be used as it was meant to be. Hallmarked for Birmingham 1978 with makers mark for Broadway & Co. £25
1950S CREAM DRESSING TABLE SET WITH SILVER PLATED ACCENTS
This is an elegant five piece dressing table set comprising tray, hand mirror, hair brush, clothes brush and comb. The silver plated accents have tarnished except under the top layer of the tray so you can see the original colour, but I think the patina looks better! For period dressing this could be from anywhere from the 18th century onwards! £30
Possibly dating to the 1940s-50s this charming three piece set comprises hair brush, hand mirror and clothes brush. It has been loved and used for many years as you can see from the wear to the machine decorated backs where the under layer of copper showed through but is still in great condition and now has a soft patina. £30
SELECTION OF VINTAGE HAND MIRRORS AND HAIR BRUSHES
Mostly mid century, these charming little pieces of social history will lend a lovely vintage accent to your dressing table! £8-15 each depending
SELECTION OF IVORINE OR BONE DRESSING TABLE ITEMS
Great for styling from the Georgian period onwards, but much cheaper than ivory! Celluloid was created to simulate ivory in the early 20th century making it affordable for more people. All the pieces are either ivorine or bone and priced £8-15 each depending.
PAIR OF VICTORIAN IVORY MEN'S BRUSHES
The staple of every gentleman's dressing kit - a matching pair of hair brushes. A gentleman with the initials "RH" owned these at first and clearly took care of them as they are in excellent overall condition. Certainly pre-1947 so currently safe to sell as antique. £25
ART DECO METAL CASED VANITY BOX WITH CONTENTS
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SELECTION OF SOLID EBONY DRESSING TABLE ITEMS
If you are styling a Victorian, or deeply masculine dressing table from any era, this is a great place to start. Solid ebony pieces ooze period appeal and you have a good selection from trays and candle holders, to glove stretchers and turned wood pots. For more information on any piece drop us a line. Bulk prices available. Priced between £8 - £15 each.
GLASS & EBONY DRESSING TABLE POTS
Another great look for a Victorian styled home, these moulded glass dressing table pots have solid ebony lids. Perfect for cotton wool, hair ties, jewellery, or whatever needs tidying away in your bathroom, bedroom, even kitchen! The largest pot has some chips to the rim as shown. £12 each.
EBONY BACKED HAND MIRRORS
A smart ebony backed hand mirror is a perfect addition to any modern dressing table, or Deco inspired monochrome styling. These have bevelled glass in excellent overall condition with minimal wear. Think of all those faces they've seen! £12
SELECTION OF EARLY CELLULOID FAUX TORTOISESHELL DRESSING TABLE ITEMS
This is a charming set of early celluloid plastic dressing table pieces designed to look like tortoiseshell. Indicative of the 1920s and 30s when new plastics enabled everyone to afford a luxury look. £8 per item.
VINTAGE BRASS AND MOTHER OF PEARL DRESSING TABLE SET
If you want to add some glorious 18th century continental style glamour fit for a queen - without the price tag or risk, this could be the answer. Made in polished brass with mother of pearl inlays, this late 20th century set of three pots with a fitted tray is in great condition with no losses or dents and perfect for your dressing table or sideboard. Maximum width 9" (23cm) £35
1930S/40S LEATHER CASED TRAVEL MANICURE SET
This lovely cased manicure set once belonged to someone with the initials "PJC". Who was she? (Or he...men like nice nails too!) Sadly it is missing a piece and I've never seen a set that is gilt and white metal like that but I'd love to find a replacement for it. £15
ART DECO BLUE GLASS SCENT BOTTLE AND TRINKET POT
A stylish addition to any dressing table, this pair of blue glass items are in excellent condition with Deco style fan shaped stoppers. Good solid glass with weight to them, not flimsy or too delicate to use. Scent bottle stopper has a few tiny chips to the bottom but otherwise no chips or cracks. £28
CHARMING 1940S/50S PAINTED SCENT BOTTLE WITH ATOMISER
This is a lovely little item, it appears to be made of a moulded plastic and hand painted. The rubber inside the puffer has degraded and does not work sadly but what it lacks in utility it more than makes up for in charm! £15
MOTHER OF PEARL AND ABALONE 1950S HANDBAG ATOMISER
Made by Corona, likely in the 1950s, this is a gorgeous little handbag atomiser in working order. The pump still works with the spring intact and covered in mother of pearl and abalone shell panels with no losses, just light wear on the reverse. Just clean and fill with your favourite scent! £18
SELECTION OF TAN LEATHER COLLAR BOXES
Collar boxes are no longer used to store your collection of crisply starched wing-tips but they can be wonderfully useful for storage and create a gorgeously mellow vintage look. Some are missing their straps so prices vary but all in great condition. Discounts for multiple items. £15-30 depending on condition.
SELECTION OF MID-CENTURY VINTAGE LADY'S COMPACTS
Compacts are eminently collectable, being small and available at prices to suit all pockets. Once cleaned up they can still be used for make up, keepsakes and personal mirrors. Maybe you'll see the face of the woman who first bought it, powdering her nose! Priced between £5-12 each (bulk prices available).
1950S LEATHER CASED MEN'S VANITY TRAVEL SET
This was a Christmas gift from Pam to Charlie, likely in the 1950s, but Charlie never used it. Still in as new condition with her hand written label, this is a story I’d like to know! Comprising leather case, comb, brush and two shaving sticks/pots and two packets of safety razor blades. Made by Two Tix. Why didn’t he use it?! £35
ART DECO TRAVELLING VANITY SET WITH HAND MIRROR AND HAIR BRUSH
Once the essential for any travelling lady or gent, the vanity travel set had all your essentials to create a home from home. This is a smaller example including a faux tortoiseshell hair brush and hand mirror, but it looks like a few pieces may be missing and the lining needs some attention. Possibly a great project for a restorer! £25.
SELECTION OF CUT THROAT RAZORS & BOXES
A selection of cut-throat razors in varying condition, with handles made of plastic, celluloid or bone. Some have lovely engraving from the maker, all have rust to different degrees so definitely not recommended for use anymore! £5-15 each depending on condition.
EARLY 20TH CENTURY BOXED TRAVEL SAFETY RAZOR
One of the earliest safety razors, conveniently stowed in this little travel box. Sadly he has seen better days and there appears to be a piece missing to fix the head to the stem, however this would make a charming piece of set dressing or ideal for a restorer. £12
EDWARDIAN SILVER HANDLED MANICURE TOOLS
All together these make a fabulous display and individually add lovely period detail to any dressing table. Most of the handles are hallmarked Sterling Silver with one or two exceptions that are silver plated or unmarked. The tool parts themselves are plated. Priced between £5-7 each or discounted for multiples.
CHARMING TAN LEATHER DRESS STUDS BOX
A sweet little box for every gentleman’s dressing table! Keep your cufflinks, shirt studs, paper clips or anything you like neatly and smartly with a charming piece of vintage leather. £10
BAKELITE GENTLEMAN’S STUD BOX
This is a neat little Bakelite pot for dress studs circa 1920s-30s. The Art Deco clean lines makes a perfect little addition to any gentleman’s dressing table. In excellent condition. £10