Victorian Leather Dressing Case By F. West In Original Leather Box

A fine example of a beautiful Victorian Vanity Box in its original leather travelling case. The outer of the box is covered in black grained leather with an embossed border and brass escutcheon. The box has a fully fitted interior with a lift out tray with various sections and a glass pot. Below this is an insert for holding pens and pencils and below this are further sections and a small handheld vanity mirror. The lid is lined in plush blue velvet and it comes out to reveal a mirror behind and a removable blotter pad lined in watered silk. Behind this are further compartments with a leather box containing a wooden pen tray. The box is superb quality with a Bramah lock and the maker's name in gilt lettering "F.West. Manufacturer to the Royal Family. No.1 St James's Street". Fitzmaurice West established himself as a cutler and dressing case manufacturer in 1839 at 1 St James's Street and became one of the appointed manufacturers to Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent and other members of the Royal Family. West moved his business to 2 St James’s Street, London in 1877 and later, in 1883, to 9 King Street, St James’s, London so this helps to date the manufacture of this case to between 1839 and 1877. The box is in very good condition for its age. There are some signs of age and use and some minor marks and scuffs on the exterior but nothing detrimental. The interior is generally clean and tidy with some signs of light wear and use but nothing untoward and it displays beautifully. Unfortunately we do not have a key. The box comes with its original leather travelling case with straps and buckles to protect the inner box. There are some signs of wear and damage to some of the corners and generals scuffs and marks to the leather but it is remarkable it has survived with the box at all and it does still display well. The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask. Tracked UK Delivery £10