‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not consider to be beautiful or useful.’
William Morris
French Antique
Gentleman’s Travel Kit
By Peret of Paris –
1860’s
A very elegant gentleman’s travel kit,
with crystal containers, sterling silver caps, lids and accessories all mounted
in a dark blue, folding leather box.
It was created by Peret – silversmith,
cabinet and leather maker - who was the craftsman for exceptional travel
and writing accessories during the Napoleon III period. His shop was located in
the Marais neighborhood of Paris and he won the First Class medal at the
World’s Fair in 1855.
The attention to detail is outstanding,
including a protective case for the straight razor sharpening strop, a small,
folded envelope probably for stamps, a pocket under the accessories’ panel to
keep personal correspondence and a small, square inkwell with a brass opening
button.
The two original brushes look unused in
their fitted space and a small shaving brush is included in its own crystal and
sterling silver lidded box.
The six personal grooming accessories
have sterling silver handles.
All pieces are stamped and hallmarked.
The accessories’ lids have a Tête de
Minerve hallmark and were created by Julien Doyen, a silversmith with a
shop in Paris in 1852. The handles of the grooming tools have a minuscule Tête
de Minerve hallmark at the top.
The lock closes and holds well, but is
minus a key. The inside lid is gold stamped “Peret, Ebéniste Fabricant de
Necessaires, Trousses et Portefeuilles, “ with the shop’s address in Paris.
The kit is in very good condition and
probably dates from the 1850’s -1860’s and is an iconic item of a time when an elegant gentleman of means traveled with trunks (and probably a valet).
The case measures 12 inches by 7 inches
by 3 inches. Solidly made, it weighs 5.3 lbs in all.
Please
read before purchasing
Vintage and antique
objects have lived and been used and because of that, they sometimes show it.
The condition of the object is described as accurately as possible, including
its character flaws. But that is really part of the attraction and enjoyment of
an old piece.
Packing & Shipping
Objects are packed and
shipped with the greatest care. Please verify the package upon receipt and
inform the postal authorities of any damage. Shipping costs are always combined
for multiple purchases.
Returns
If there is a problem,
please send me an email within 7 days of receipt of the item, explaining the
situation and I will reply as quickly as possible. The item must be sent back
in the same condition and in the same packaging. The buyer pays for the
return postage costs.