What were sterling silver vanity pots used for?

These containers held daily grooming essentials such as face powders, hairpins, rouge, and small pieces of jewellery on Victorian and Edwardian dressing tables. They kept delicate items organised and protected while adding a decorative touch to the bedroom or dressing room suite.

How can I tell an Edwardian vanity pot from a Victorian one?

Victorian examples frequently display heavy repousse decoration with floral scrolls or figural scenes, often paired with deep-cut crystal. Edwardian and later Art Deco pieces lean towards sleeker geometric lines, smoother glass bodies, and colourful guilloche enamel lids.

Are the glass bases always removable from the silver mount?

Most glass jars and crystal bodies are independent vessels that sit securely within the silver collar or can be lifted out for cleaning. Some smaller pill boxes and trinket jars are constructed entirely from solid silver without any glass inserts.

How do I care for antique silver and enamel pots?

Clean the sterling silver sections gently with a specialist microfibre cloth, avoiding direct contact between silver polish and any enamel or glass surfaces. Store the pieces away from direct sunlight to preserve the vibrant pigments of the guilloche enamel and tortoiseshell inserts.