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An exceptional, matching pair of antique luxury travel vanity/boudoir bottles dating from the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1910).
Purchased through an estate sale, we have carried out detailed historical research on these items to trace their origins. Although, the wear on their hallmark/makers’ marks limits absolute certainty under a standard lens, our comparative analysis strongly suggests these elegant cylinders belonged to an elite, custom-made “nécessaire de voyage” (travel vanity trun) crafted by Valigeria Franzi (Franzi Milano) and Oreste Franzi & Co. Founded in Milan in 1864 by Felice Franzi, the legendary Italian luxury brand became world-renowned for its prestigious, high-end traveling trunks and leather luggage cases. To outfit these magnificent cases with the highest standard of luxury silver-work, they utilized their company’s silversmith branch, Oreste Franzi & Co. (run by Felice’s son Oreste), to supply substantial, heavy-gauge solid silver fittings specifically tailored for their wealthy international clientele.
Beyond the maker’s marks strongly suggesting the letters “FRANZI.” The imprinted of what appears to be a stylized elephant on the lids shares a strong resemblance to the elephant stamped on Oreste Franzi & Co.’s work during that period. Along with the company’s comparable use of structures, Art Deco lines and design work—carried additional weight in our conclusion.
Design & Luxury Details:• The Lids: Both screw-top lids feature stunning, vibrant cobalt-blue guilloché/ champlevé enamel borders executing a classic Greek key (meander) motif. The centers are beautifully hand-engraved with an intricate, stylized Art Nouveau monogram cipher (BG or GB).• The Interiors: The inside of the silver caps features their original, beautifully preserved gold wash (vermeil), which was traditionally applied by luxury silversmiths to prevent the silver from tarnishing when exposed to perfumes or moisture. One cap features an internal stamped assembly/bench number \"56\".• The Glass: The bodies are crafted from heavy, thick-walled glass with crisp, elegant vertical fluting that catches the light beautifully. The taller cylinder was traditionally used as a toothbrush or grooming utensil holder, while the shorter bottle retains its original frosted glass inner stopper for cologne.
Specifications & Dimensions:• Combined Cap Weight: Approx. 42.5 grams• Tall Fluted Bottle: 7.25” Height x 1.25” Diameter• Cologne Bottle: 7” Height x 1” Diameter
Condition NoteGlass: • Both bottles are in excellent antique condition. The glass bodies are structurally sound with no cracks, major chips, or heavy cloudiness. The inner stopper for the cologne remains completely intact with minimal signs of ageSilver:•The colbalt blue enamel retains rich hue, remarkably intact with no major chipping or loss.• Both interiors have retained their original gold wash and look pristine for their age, though the Cologne’s interior lid shows slightly more wear.• The exterior silver displays honest age, with wear visible on the lids’ identifiable markings; the metal still holds a beautiful shine, with a natural patina (tarnish) that captures the charm of aging.
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