French Antique Napoleon III 5 Piece Sterling Silver & Crystal Vanity Set

Description

‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not consider to be beautiful or useful.’
William Morris
French Antique Napoleon III 5 Piece Sterling Silver & Crystal Vanity/Dresser/Desk Containers 1850’s
A very elegant ensemble of five crystal and sterling silver guilloche lid vanity or dresser containers.
Each piece is different sized.
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The long rectangular box measures 6 5/8 inches by 2 inches by 1 ½ inches high
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The smaller rectangular box is 2 ¾ inches by 2 inches and 1 ½ inches high.
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The larger rectangular box is 2 7/8 inches by 2 inches by 2 5/8 inches high.
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The round container is 2 1/8 inches in diameter and 2 3 /4 inches high
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The bottle is 2 5/8 inches high and 1 ¾ inches by 1 1/8 inches at the bottom.
Except for the bottle which has a chipped base edging, all other pieces of crystal are in excellent condition.
The sterling silver lids are beautifully crafted with a very fine guilloche pattern in the background with a woven ribbon motif – very Napoleon III – styled design in the center of each piece. The lids look monogrammed but do not really seem to be unless the curls represent a very stylized C or G.
All of the five pieces have a ‘Tête de Minerve’ 1838 hallmark which is the French hallmark for sterling silver and two of them have a maker’s hallmark inside the lid which I have not been able to identify.
These types of containers were used by both ladies and gentlemen to store brushes, combs, talc or powder, cream and a small container of
eau de toilette
and they come from a manor house estate sale.
Their last owner used them on a period desk to store valuable pens, small and larger paper clips, etc.
They are a handsome set in very good condition for their age and still look stunning on a period dresser or table.
Please read before purchasing
Vintage and antique objects have lived and been used and because of that, they sometimes show it. The condition of the object is described as accurately as possible, including its character flaws. But that is really part of the attraction and enjoyment of an old piece.
Packing & Shipping
Objects are packed and shipped with the greatest care. Please verify the package upon receipt and inform the postal authorities of any damage. Shipping costs are always combined for multiple purchases.
Returns
I
f there is a problem, please send me an email within 7 days of receipt of the item, explaining the situation and I will reply as quickly as possible. The item must be sent back in the same condition and in the same packaging. The buyer pays for the return postage costs.