Vanity Set Value & Price Guide

Collectible vanity sets represent a bygone era of elegance, encompassing the essential tools for a lady's grooming ritual. These sets typically include hand mirrors, hairbrushes, combs, and powder jars crafted from materials ranging from sterling silver to early plastics like celluloid.

History of Vanity Set

The popularity of vanity sets peaked during the Victorian and Art Deco eras, serving as both functional tools and status symbols displayed atop bedroom dressers. Early sets were often heavy silver or ornate porcelain, but the mid-20th century saw a shift toward accessible materials like celluloid and Lucite, allowing more women to own coordinated dressing table accessories. Manufacturers like Gorham and Regent of London became household names, producing designs that reflected the architectural and artistic trends of their respective decades, from Art Nouveau curves to sleek mid-century modern lines.

Value Factors for Vanity Set

Material composition, with sterling silver and high-quality enamel fetching the highest prices.
Completeness of the set, as original boxes and matching powder puffs significantly increase desirability.
Condition of the celluloid or plastic, specifically looking for signs of 'celluloid rot' which is irreversible.

Tips for Buying Vanity Set

Inspect the bristles on brushes for shedding or rot, as natural bristles can degrade significantly over time.
Check for silver hallmarks or maker's marks like Gorham to distinguish between solid sterling silver and silver-plated sets.
Examine mirrors for 'desilvering' or dark spots, which can affect the aesthetic value even if the frame is intact.

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