Lot 129: A Trio of Antique Items Comprising Two Cased Sets of Drawing Instruments and a Wooden Hand Mirror
A trio of antique items comprising two cased sets of drawing instruments and a wooden hand mirror. The handheld mirror is constructed from a dark-stained hardwood, possibly mahogany, with an oval mirror plate and a tapered handle featuring a teardrop-shaped cutout. A white adhesive label marked 22 and an orange label marked 129 are applied to the frame. The first cased set of drawing instruments is housed in a maroon leatherette case with a purple velvet interior. The lid lining contains a gold-stamped rectangular silk label reading LONDON, J. HALDEN & CO LTD, MANCHESTER. The set includes various nickel-plated metal compasses and dividers. An orange label marked 129 and a white label marked 22 are present on the lid interior. The second, larger set of instruments is contained within a solid mahogany case with a blue velvet-lined fitted interior. The lid interior features a gold-stamped royal coat of arms with the word LONDON legible below it; the maker name is not clearly legible. The set includes a wide variety of brass and steel instruments, some featuring white bone handles. A white label marked 22 and an orange label marked 129 are adhered to the case.
Condition report:
The wooden hand mirror frame shows surface abrasions and minor scratches (photo 1). The maroon case of the J. Halden & Co. set shows significant wear and material loss to the exterior edges and corners (photo 1). The interior purple velvet is faded and shows fraying at the hinge and tool slots. The instruments show minor surface oxidation and signs of regular use. The mahogany case of the larger set exhibits surface scratches and minor indentations (photo 1). The interior blue lining is stained, faded, and shows heavy impressions from the tools. Several instruments show a dark surface patina and oxidation. This set is incomplete, with several empty compartments visible in the fitted tray (photo 1).
Share this lot: