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British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
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British Tortoiseshell Necessaire

  • This English necessaire would have brought a touch of luxury to 19th-century travels
  • Formed of ebonized tortoiseshell and lined with rich blue velvet, it holds an array of toiletries
  • Travel became a key pastime for the affluent beginning in the 18th century
  • These necessaries de voyage became highly personalized symbols of wealth and taste
  • Get complete item description here
$24,500
Item No. 30-9102

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Description
This English nécessaire de voyage, or vanity case, is as much an item of luxury as it is of necessity. Formed of ebonized tortoiseshell, the gilt interior, lined with rich blue velvet, contains an impressive array of personal accouterments, all perfectly fitted in their own compartments. Comprised of multiple levels in a sumptuous presentation, the stunning set is impeccably suited for carrying everything an affluent Victorian would have needed while traveling.

Travel became a. . .
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This English nécessaire de voyage, or vanity case, is as much an item of luxury as it is of necessity. Formed of ebonized tortoiseshell, the gilt interior, lined with rich blue velvet, contains an impressive array of personal accouterments, all perfectly fitted in their own compartments. Comprised of multiple levels in a sumptuous presentation, the stunning set is impeccably suited for carrying everything an affluent Victorian would have needed while traveling.

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 on 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 nécessaires de voyage became highly personalized symbols of wealth and taste, carrying everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments. To find one of such extraordinary craftsmanship and quality is exceptionally rare.

19th century

7 1/4" high x 12" wide x 9" deep
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British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
Period: 19th Century
Origin: England
Type: Compacts/Nécessaires
Depth: 9.0 in. (22.86 cm)
Width: 12.0 in. (30.48 cm)
Height: 7.25 in. (18.42 cm)
British Tortoiseshell Necessaire
The Grand Tour: An Education of High Culture and Collecting

  This breathtaking, exhibition quality micromosaic is attributed to Domenico Moglia   In order to experience the unique qualities of a variety of artistic and cultural experiences it is necessary to leave the...

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Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

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The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

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-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

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Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

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Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.