Antique French Sterling Silver Vanity, P Sormani Valise, Dr. Bag

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Antique French Sterling Silver Vanity, P Sormani Valise, Dr. Bag

About the Item

Exceptionally fine large Trousse de voyage (travel case and vanity), mid-1800s, complete with all jars, sterling lids, to include a larger than usual liqueur flask with fitted cup, pump-spray perfume flask, many jars and bottle, and a fitted travel inkwell and a travel cigar lighter. Exceptionally fine, ready for use or display. And of finest pedigree. In the 19th century, collaboration between the upper eschelon of Paris 'houses' was a common practice. We know that Dupont made leather and vanity goods for Hermes at times (this information from signature sets and also from the direct descendants of the Dupont family. We know Baccarat made perfume and vanity flasks, jars, and glassworks for other 'houses', as did St. Louis, another lauded maker of finest French crystal and glassworks. Paul Sormani is a name linked with luxury and is one of a handful of names whose lauded reputation carry over from 19th century to today as a leader in luxury goods from the 1800s. This is, hands down, one of the finest extra large vanity valise sets, (trousse de voyage) to come to us in years. Not only is the leather supple and virtually without flaw, but the glasswares and French sterling silver comes to us in equally fine condition. The leather has the 19th century Hermes 'epi' leather, from our research and experience of same and we think there is an excellent probability that the House of Sormani contracted this leather work to the House of Hermes, or at very least, the House of Dupont. The quality is exemplary, the leathers of finest quality and craft. Likewise, it is very likely that Sormani relied upon either Baccarat or St. Louis to make the elaborately wheel-etched flasks and jars for this set. The silver is by Sormani, and is .950/1000 pure silver, finest quality among all standards. There is quite a lot of 18k gold 'vermeil' on inside of lids as well as on some outer caps (the entire upper row in the lift-out vanity jar caddy). The case is complete with additional compartments that would have housed brushes but which now can hold your smaller travel items on your own Grand Tour or luxury cruise. Original working set of 2 keys in pristine original key cover a' la Hermes, and perfectly strong and undamaged handle, it's clean and ready for you to use it. GREAT movie set prop (yes, we do sell to the film industry). An extraordinary fine set and one we're thrilled to offer.

Very good to excellent condition throughout. We find only a single very minor issue of one chip on one of the original stoppers (all stoppers are present) and the stopper in the liqueur flask (cup on bottom) is stuck in place so we'll be working with oil to get it loose ahead of shipment, but it bears a quick note that it's that way now. The perfume pump sprayer works, and it's beautifully crafted. A slight turn to the left on that center top and up pops the pump. It is just as easily sealed again when pressed fully down and turned slightly to right, threading it closed and flush with the rest of the cap. The functioning parts of that mister are marked as .800/1000 pure silver, while the balance of all silver in set has the French Minerve #1, guarantee of it being .950/1000 pure silver, the highest standard of all 'sterling' standards in the world. Remember, the French silver is also cast much thicker and therefore is more valuable in several ways, not the least of which is silver (and gold) content, but of course also the fact that they do not incur dents and damage with ease as do other silver objects. The finest! If you've been waiting for an absolutely fabulous set - one you will thrill to put into use in your own travel, this one is it. Not a bit of odor and it's completely clean. A superb offering!

Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Edwardian, 1890-1910
Condition:
Please read in depth condition in the item description. One tiny chip on one original stopper; liqueur flask cup on bottom is stuck, should remove (we'll work on it). Pump sprayer works, beautifully crafted throughout.
Seller Location:
South Coast, CA
Reference Number:
Seller: 711vanity1stDibs: U11101891818