This
mahogany grooming case is unusual in so far as it latches closed without the
use of a key. To open the box you move it to one side and lift the lid. It has
a brass shield escutcheon on the lid. The case contains a tray which holds two matching
straight razors and a combination ear-pick and tweezers. The razors were made
by James Hall & Son. The lower
section has various compartments, one of which holds a tin container which would
have held mustache wax. There is a mirror frame (mirror in poor condition) in
the lid. The length is 20cm, and the height 5cm. The box and contents weigh 400gm.
It can be sent by Australia Post parcel post in a parcel box with tracking and
insured to $100.00 or such additional amount as is requested.
The
box dates from around 1810 and most probably belonged to a junior officer or
soldier as the razors both have horn side-plates. The razors are stamped James Hall & Sons. One side of
one of the horn plates has been scrimmed Y1696.
Perhaps this was the soldier’s number.#42