LADIES VANITY CASE RETAILED BY MAYER & CO. LIVERPOOL - REF No. 186

Product Details

H: 7.88 in / 20 cm ; W: 12.01 in / 30.5 cm ; D: 9.06 in / 23 cm 

A superb quality ladies’ travelling vanity case, veneered in richly figured coromandel wood with brass edging and escutcheons, the hinged lid opening to reveal a fitted interior lined in deep royal blue velvet and ruched silk. The upper compartment fitted with a complete suite of cut glass jars and accessories (mother of pearl mounted implements (two lacking), all with finely engine-turned silver lids and mounts, each piece hallmarked for London 1865.

The tray lifts to reveal further compartments for jewellery and personal items, with a concealed drawer below and a spring-release side drawer for stationery or documents. The case retains its original key and working Bramah lock.

Retailed by Mayer & Co., Liverpool, England.

Hallmarked London, 1865

Engraved retailer’s plaque: Mayer & Co., Liverpool

Condition: Excellent condition throughout, silver & glass complete, interior lining in fine original order.

Mayer & Co. of Liverpool:

Mayer & Co. of Liverpool were among the leading luxury retailers of the Victorian period, known for commissioning high-quality fitted dressing and writing boxes from the best London cabinetmakers. This example, dated 1865, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and completeness, making it a fine collector’s piece of the era.
Joseph Mayer (1803-86) was at first apprenticed to his brother-in-law, Joseph Wordley, a jeweller but in 1844-5 Mayer set up his own jewellery and silversmith business in Liverpool. He became a passionate collector with a strong interest in antiquities and Mediaeval artefacts, regularly travelling abroad to study and buy. He left his collection to the City of Liverpool and it is now held at the Walker Art Gallery.