Antique Ebony and Sterling Vanity Sets c1907

In the late Victorian era up until around 1920, ebony wood vanity sets were very popular amongst men and women alike. Usually these utilitarian items were fitted with sterling silver mountings that could be monogrammed. Most of the ebony was imported from France and the sterling pieces were applied in the USA.

You could find hand mirrors, hair brushes, clothes brushes, military brushes, combs, salve jars, nail buffers, cuticle knives, curling irons, hatpin holders, powder jars, tweezers, toothbrushes, bonnet brushes, nail brushes, curved hat brushes, travel sets, sock darners, sewing implements, and more all fitted with ebony backings or handles.

Images shown in advertisements from the 1907 Fort Dearborn Watch & Clock Co. Catalog, Chicago, Il.