CV

✨Exceptional Victorian Gentleman’s Silver Dressing Case (c.1860–1870)

An extraordinary and exceptionally complete Victorian gentleman’s traveling dressing case, crafted in rosewood with brass-bound edges, gilt borders and a personalized cartouche engraved with the initials F.C.R. beneath a heraldic boar’s head crest, indicating aristocratic provenance.

The interior opens to reveal a spectacular arrangement of deep crimson velvet, hand-tooled gilt leather, and an array of sterling silver–fitted grooming essentials, preserved in unusually complete original condition.

This is an object of museum-level quality, rarely found so intact, and featuring one of its most remarkable elements:
a hidden compartment containing an original 1869 London Almanack — a treasure in itself.

💎 Interior & Features
• Luxurious Velvet & Gilt Interior

The inside lid is lined with dramatic pleated crimson velvet, bordered with gold-stamped leather.
Beneath it sits the beautifully preserved folding document compartment, also in matching leather and gilt details — a rare survival in such condition.

• Secret Compartment with 1869 Almanack

Hidden beneath the removable tray lies a concealed section housing an original 1869 London Almanack — a miniature Victorian book used for important dates, moon phases and timekeeping.
Finding one still in the case is extremely rare and adds immense historical value.

• Sterling Silver & Engraved Accessories

The upper tray holds an array of solid silver and silver-decorated containers, including:

Silver-lidded powder jars

Silver round cream pot

Silver rectangular ornate engraved box (likely for soap or shaving tablets)

Silver cylindrical travel container

Large engraved hairbrush

Large round travel mirror with silver frame

Each piece features elegant Victorian engraving and matches the luxury level of the set.

• Complete Grooming Tools

Perfectly fitted into their original red leather straps, the set includes:

Tweezers

Nail tools

Cuticle/tooth implements

Files

Scissors
All with sterling silver ornamental handles and period hardware.

• Shaving Equipment

One of the highlights is the complete shaving ensemble:

Original Victorian shaving brush (natural bristles, silver ferrule, stored in its silver traveling tube)

Compartments for shaving soap and powders

Three exquisite Sheffield straight razors, each from a premium maker:

• Walter Hixon – Sheffield
• Bengall – Sheffield (very sought after)
• Frederick Reynolds – Sheffield

Each razor fits perfectly into the velvet tray and shows the fine steelwork for which Sheffield was renowned.

🕰️Lower Storage Compartment

Removing the upper tray reveals a spacious lower section designed for:

Tall crystal bottles with silver lids

Additional grooming items

Clothing brushes

Travel necessities

The original velvet and leather lining remains intact and richly coloured.

📦 Condition

The exterior rosewood and brass are beautifully preserved.

Interior velvet and gilt leather are vibrant, with expected minor wear from age.

Silver pieces show a beautiful antique patina.

Razors open and close properly.

Secret compartment fully functional.

1869 Almanack intact and complete.

Lock present; key included (if you have a key, we specify “working key”).

A remarkable survival in near-complete original condition.

📏 Measurements

Approx.:
31 cm (width) × 23 cm (depth) × 16–17 cm (height)

✨Why this piece is exceptional

This is not a typical Victorian dressing case — it is a gentleman's aristocratic travel companion, made using the finest materials available in the mid-19th century.
Its completeness, its secret compartment, the presence of the Almanack, and the inclusion of three Sheffield razors make it practically irreplaceable.

Perfect for:
Collectors, museums, interior designers, film props, or anyone seeking a true treasure of Victorian craftsmanship.Important note:
This shop sells vintage, pre-owned and New Old Stock items. Please review all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the description.

All items are sold as described. Please feel free to ask any questions before purchasing.

Returns are handled according to Etsy policy and applicable law. Where applicable, return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility.

Import duties, taxes and customs fees are the buyer's responsibility.