Item Report
Art Deco Period Gentleman's Travel Grooming Kit
By: Unknown (often sold by department stores, sometimes with retailer's mark inside the kit)
Style: Art Deco
Origin: United States or Western Europe (likely England or France)
Materials: Leather, bakelite/plastic, glass, metal, mirror
Age: circa 1920-1935
Condition: Very Good (shows light wear to leather and interior, but components appear intact; not officially appraised or professionally cleaned)
Value: $80–$180 (auction estimate; higher if in complete and excellent condition, lower if missing pieces or with significant wear)
Maker's Marks / Writing: None visible in this image; check the mirror, leather case, or metal parts for subtle maker or retailer stamps.
Date: 2025-06-23 08:25:17.214742
Description:
This is an Art Deco era gentleman's travel grooming kit, likely dating from the 1920s to 1930s. It is housed in a brown leather zippered case with fitted compartments containing a variety of grooming implements: a mirror, hair brush, comb, shaving tools, possibly cologne bottles, and other personal care items. The containers are made of bakelite, glass, and possibly chrome, typical of luxury travel accessories from this period.
Curator Questions
Curated by Jade
Assessment:
This is a well-preserved Art Deco gentleman's grooming kit, a classic example of refined urban travel accessories from the interwar period. The case appears to retain most of its original components, which is desirable for collectors. Completing the kit and ensuring all pieces are original would maximize value. Condition, completeness, and any possible retailer markings (e.g., Asprey) are crucial to value. A word about fakes: Vintage grooming kits are sometimes assembled from mismatched period components for resale, so ensure all items belong to the original kit.
Individual Images:
- If other images show detail on zip pulls
- container markings
- or hardware
- check them for retailer names such as Asprey or Dunhill
- which greatly increase value. Close-ups of brush bristles and case lining may reveal wear
- initials
- or repairs. If any glass bottles are chipped or cracked
- this affects completeness.
Provenance:
None provided; provenance could further influence value if linked to a notable owner or high-end retailer.
Condition:
Very Good (shows light wear to leather and interior, but components appear intact; not officially appraised or professionally cleaned)
Identification Score: 95%
The distinctive combination of bakelite, glass, leather, and the layout of grooming tools in a zippered case fits well-documented Art Deco travel kits. The materials, form, and components are consistent with interwar period examples.
Authenticity Score: 85%
The patina on the materials, style of the accessories, and period-appropriate design strongly suggest originality. However, some travel kits are assembled with non-matching replacement items, so a hands-on inspection is ideal for top scores.
Image Memory Note
Early 20th-century Art Deco men's grooming kit in leather case, with bakelite and glass items. Completeness and possible retailer mark are key to value.
Keywords
Art Deco, grooming kit, travel kit, gentleman's set, vanity set, bakelite, vintage, interwar, leather, Western Europe, United States
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