International Estate Art Deco Sterling Silver Five Piece Vanity Set

True estate items, this group is being offered entirely as found on behalf of a direct descendent of the original owner.

Approximately 100 years old, the three large pieces--mirror, brush, and synthetic tortise shell comb--are marked with the Simpson, Hall, Miller division of International Silver's "helmet" emblem, along with the word "Sterling," while the two smaller pieces--nail file and shoe horn--are marked "Sterling Handle." (Please see both sets of images.)

This is an exceptional set in several regards.

First aspect to be noted is the pristine condition. The set is as close to original condition as could be found of items of their age.

Vanity or dresser sets often evidence dents or splits to the silver, peeling of the mirror back, loss of bristle, broken teeth in the comb, or rust on the file and shoe horn extensions, and none of this applies with these pieces.

A second aspect that immediately stands forward is the immense scale of the mirror. It measures 16" long and has a frame that is 6 1/2" by 4 1/2", surrounding a beveled glass mirror. The brush is commensurately large at 11" long.

The third outstanding feature of this set is the design. It follows after the neoclassical tastes of the nineteen teens tending toward the subsequent Art Deco of the 1920s and 1930s.

The design carries in full from piece to piece and incorporates acanthus leaves, repeating borders, leaf and bellflower garlands, and rosettes, all set against a fine-lined, satin, background. The brush and mirror have columnar, fluted, handles with acanthus leaf detailing at the tips.

With the exception of the comb, all items have a shield reserve without a monogram or inscription.

While the design on this set does not match an International flatware line per se, it does reflect the design sensibilities of a number of patterns, including for example, Kensington, new (1912), Fontaine, Orange Blossom and even Wedgwood (all 1924).

As indicated, the condition is mint. The only aspect of age to be noted is a bit of a rattle from the mirror when shaken (from dry cement inside). There is no loss of the bristles on the brush, or breaks in the comb.

Inquiries invited.