Material:  Natural antique ivory
Size:  Length ~ 6 & 1/4 inches,   Width ~ apx. 3 & 1/4 inches @ widest,   Height ~ apx 3/8 inch
Quantity:  1

We were very fortunate to acquire a large group of 130 year old antique Victorian ivory vanity items from a direct descendant of the original owner.  These fine ivory pieces were initially purchased by a wealthy East coast aristocrat in the early 1880s, during the 19th century period known as the Gilded Age, an era of upper class opulence and wealth.  Each piece is available individually here on our web site.  Please see the last image above for a picture of all the items grouped together and history / provenance information.

This listing is for the uniquely shaped vanity or dresser tray pictured in the lower right of the last image/group photo above and shown in detail in the preceding images.  Please note:  placing your cursor on the image will enlarge it for a more detailed view.

This fine vanity item features all of the definitive aspects required to confirm natural ivory, including the distinctive grain and visible cross hatching pattern known as Schreger lines, sometimes also described as stacked chevrons, diamond or V shapes.  The tray is very cool to the touch (another ivory indicator) with a beautiful warm patina only achieved through 130 plus years of age and gentle use.

Vanity trays of this type would have been used at milady`s boudoir dressing table for regularly utilized articles such as favorite jewelry, pins and perhaps hair combs or similar items.  It could be used today for a similar purpose, as well as a desk accessory / pen tray.

This interesting and rather uniquely shaped tray features an exquisitely carved and unbelievably intricate monogram, similar to carving work attributed to the Dieppe area of France, a historical center famous for fine quality hand carved ivory..  The monogram is so fancy and elaborate it could be interpreted as any number of initials, however due to the family supplied provenance we know definitively that the three letters represented on this piece, as on all the other pieces in the group, are:  MST.   Please note this monogram is carved into the ivory, with the surrounding area cut away so the initials appear raised, or in relief, versus the more commonly found monogram that is carved separately and then applied.  The method used to carve the monogram on this particular vanity tray is definitely a more complicated and time consuming technique.  It also indicates that this piece, in fact most/all of the pieces included in the group shown above, were actually custom made for the owner and likely part of her 1881 dowry / bridal / wedding trousseau.

We are especially pleased to note that this fine ivory vanity tray is in exceptionally fine antique estate condition, with no chips, cracks, or breaks.  It is is clean and free of stains, marks, etc.

A very high quality antique dresser tray, likely French in origin and custom made for a wealthy East coast aristocrat.  Exquisitely crafted and finely carved from substantial, thick, heavy ivory, with great attention to detail.   Even 130 years ago this certainly would have been a very costly vanity item.  The outstanding condition indicates it was cherished and well cared for.

Please see the other related 19th century ivory items also listed in this same category.

Unique Antique Victorian Ivory Dresser Vanity Tray, Beautifully Carved, 19th Century, c. 1881

$ 374.00