Antique Nécessaire de Voyage Dressing Case in Rosewood with Floral and Foliate Brass Inlay, by Louis Aucoc

This French antique 'Nécessaire de Voyage' dressing case dates from the mid-1850’s. It was manufactured and retailed by Louis Aucoc Ainé (the elder). The box is veneered in rosewood, edged in brass, with ornately engraved recessed brass side handles. The top and front of the box have been decorated with a brass inlaid design consisting of delicately engraved flora and foliation bound by swagged ribbons.

The interior, lined with burgundy moiré silk and matching velvet, contains eleven cut glass bottles and jars with .950 hallmarked silver-gilt lids; these include a spring-loaded inkwell and match vesta case. The lids are decorated with a design of raised floral and foliate borders adjoined by facial corner motifs, finished with a Guilloché design. Unusually, all the glassware has been etched with a matching design theme.

A central two tiered section is fitted with thirteen mother of pearl and gilt-steel vanity and sewing tools.

A removable rosewood framed free-standing easel mirror is stowed within the lid section. The mirror is backed in solid Mahogany with a hinged fold-out brass stand and brass hanging ring.

The full width lock mount, fitted with a Bramah patent lock, bears the engraved manufacturer’s mark of, ‘L. Aucoc Ainé à Paris'. ... Read More