• Width:
  14 1/2 Inches
• Height:
  7 5/8 Inches
• Depth:
  10 5/8 Inches
• Period:
  19th Century
• Origin:
  England/Ireland

This glamorous lady's necessaire, or traveling dressing case, was presented to the Marchioness of Kildare in 1848 on the occasion of her marriage. Crafted of stunning Indian rosewood with gilt-bronze accents, this multi-tiered case houses a selection of cut glass containers, topped with engraved and turquoise-accented silver gilt lids, mother-of-pearl handled toiletry tools, a silver-gilt spoon set and a leather bound writing pad, all in a velvet-lined fitted interior. Cases such as this were highly fashionable as wedding gifts among affluent families of the 19th century. Plaque reads: "F. West, Manufacturer to Her Majesty, Prince Albert & the Royal Family, No. 1 St. James Street."

Travel became a key pastime for the affluent beginning in the 18th century. Young gentlemen and women of high social standing often traveled throughout the Continent in an extended, educational tour known as their Grand Tour. These lengthy journeys required a convenient means of transporting the personal belongings, or necessities, of daily life. Often constructed of luxurious materials such as silver, gold, mother of pearl, crystal, fine woods and leathers, these necessaires de voyage became highly personalized symbols of wealth and taste, carrying everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments.

Hallmarked London, 1847

Case: 14 1/2" wide x 10 5/8" deep x 7 5/8" high