Superb RARE c.1901 English Travel Valet, Valise, 19 Pc Vanity in Tortoise Shell, Sterling Silver, Leather
"Finnegan's, Birmingham and London", the maker or purveyor at least, of this splendid and complete c.1901 travel vanity luggage, valise, trousse de voyage. The gilded age was a time of splendor. A Bond Street address in London signified top of the line goods in that time (and now). If you know London, being on the Crescent, Bond Street, meant ultimate prestige. Add a Paris location, and you know Finnegan's fine reputation. Goods of inferior quality just did not make it there, nor did makers. So, some gentleman (likely) ordered this stunning set for his own Grand Tour or business travel. His monogram on all leather, and atop every sterling silver cap on jars and that rare liquor flask, and upon the tortoise shell mirror, brushes. There's a stationary folder there in its fitting on the bottom of the case, and a jewelry box tucked into its fitting left, the manicure and sewing valet tucks into a fitted section just inside, flanking the handle, and a perfect c.1901 tortoise shell comb rest