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Brass Mounted Georgian Campaign Dressing Table Box Gentleman's Necessaire C.1795

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Very rare and hard to find in this complete condition with as many pieces (over 35), this "Gentleman's Necessaire", or campaign "Dressing Table Box" is English and circa 1795 as per the style, and confirmed by the 18th century silver marks on items enclosed. Campaign furniture, and accessories were made to tend to the day to day needs of those traveling, most often for the upper class, the military, and those in high socioeconomic standing. A very similar Campaign box belonging to the Duke of Wellington and now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, appears on page 141 (illustration #157 of "British Campaign Furniture" published in 2001 by Nicholas A. Brawer; the leading recognized historian on the subject. The furniture and accessories were designed to be easily unpacked and packed back up again, condensed and compact for minimum storage, and still fulfill luxury "needs" for the well to do.

The flush inserted brass handles on this box were designed to minimize protrusions for easier transport when traveling. The necessaire contains a plethora of instruments, utensils, storage bottles, boxes, to contain pills, medicine, potions, soap, shaving needs, snuff, beverages, spirits, tea, coffee, fragrance, incense, toothpaste, ink, and anything else necessary or wanted to maintain appearance and the "Beau Brummell" type lifestyle desired by the aristocratic gentleman. These items were housed in; screw top miniature bone canisters, fine cut glass crystal vessels with silver and silver plated tops, multiple miniature vertical wooden pocket drawers, a carved wooden lidded soap dish; all "fitted" in a beautiful brass bound and hinged mahogany box. The dressing box is neatly divided into various sections to store these implements.

The center front bottom drawer is independently accessed and opened by a key lock and likely utilized for personal effects, jewelry, money, and letter writing, and diary entries.; note the fitted interior, design, "cubbies", and sections (see image).
NOTE: It would be advisable to NOT use the key to lock this drawer just in case it stays locked and does not reverse, thereby creating difficulty reopening the drawer.

The box maintains it's original surface and there are no restorations to any of the wood or brass mounts. A non discernible script monogram on a brass plate adorns the top (see image).

Worth noting is the copious provenance accompanying this piece; the original description tag from the British antiques dealer; the "condfdential" letter by purchaser to recipient "Horace" reviewing the Dressing Box attributes and description; and finally, the Customs form for entry into the United States with Santa Barbara it's ultimate destination and a valuation of 3 pounds; less than ten dollars at that time---- 1950!!!!! (see images).

Dimensions: 11" wide x 8 3/4" deep x 5 1/2" high

Contents:
implements in red bag

sewing hook with shell handle

second smaller sewing hook with built in swivel tool to bone handle

large metal tweezers

rectangular bone device with center hole

small hook with bone handle

silver plate corkscrew (wine opener)

silver toothbrush with hallmark

bold pin in circular handle

box interior

bone handled clothes brush

(4) pocket box drawers

1) empty

2) small pewter vessel with lid

3) small crystal bottle with silver top and original dauber

4) empty

bone handled clothes brush

(2) cut glass crystal bottles with silver top (both have original dauber)

(2) square cut glass bottles with silver tops

large metal flask (maybe pewter) with hinged top and slide on cap

vertical wood pocket box with small bottle with silver top and original dauber
also inside box: a small bowling pin shaped implement

vertical wood lidded pocket box with extra toothbrush inside

(2) miniature small bottles with silver lids and original daubers resting in slot holes provided

(2) small bottles with silver tops and original daubers resting in slot holes provided

Wooden hand carved circular soap dish with original wooden fitted lid

silver miniature funnel in slot provided

(2) cut glass circular jars with silver tops (maybe for ink)

(5) narrow vertical bone vessels (two sizes) with screw and push tops resting in slots provided.
independent center drawer; pewter vessel with a metal dauber.

There might have originally been another bottle in the empty cavity on the left side, or it may have been used for loose personal effects (loose change, calling cards, etc.). A couple of implements are lacking from the red case; otherwise everything is there and original to the box. Remarkable that what is there is still intact and astounding that the bottles maintain their original tops and crystal daubers-----after 230 years!

More Information

Origin:	England
Period:	18th Century
Materials:	Silver,Silver Plate,Wood,Hand-Crafted,Metalwork,Plated
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	743561

Dimensions

W.	11 in;	H.	5.5 in;	D.	8.75 in;
W.	27.94 cm;	H.	13.97 cm;	D.	22.23 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.