What goes inside a fitted antique toilet case?

These cases contain cut crystal glass bottles with silver or silver-gilt lids, small jars, implements and velvet-lined trays for jewellery. Many also include hidden compartments, mirrors fitted into the lid and small drawers accessed by releasing internal locking pins.

How do I identify the period of a dressing box?

Dating relies on the primary wood used, the style of the brass hardware and hallmarks on any silver components inside. Georgian and Regency examples tend towards simpler rosewood or mahogany with brass stringing, while Victorian boxes frequently utilise burr walnut and coromandel with more complex internal mechanisms.

Did men and women use different travelling boxes?

Gentlemen's boxes typically housed razors, shaving soap containers and larger glass bottles with simple silver or plated caps. Ladies' boxes placed greater emphasis on jewellery storage, scent bottles with silver-gilt tops and dedicated compartments for cosmetics and hair accessories.

How should I care for the wood and velvet?

Keep these boxes away from direct sunlight and fluctuating temperatures to prevent the dense veneers from lifting or splitting. Clean the internal velvet gently with a soft brush and treat the polished exterior wood with appropriate furniture wax as needed.