Travel Essential – Historical Souvenir Of Princess Charlotte Of Wales

An English travel kit. Five instruments are contained in a book-shaped case with a cardboard core covered in embossed and gilt-tooled red leather. The spine, decorated with birds and foliage, bears the inscription "POEMS." The edges are gilt. The craftsmanship is remarkable. The contents include: - A mercury mirror in fair condition (7 x 2.5 cm), - A penknife with a mother-of-pearl handle and a silver blade hallmarked with the lion passant, the letter "A," and the Sheffield crown, used in the 18th century, which guarantees a silver content of 925/1000. Another hallmark, "JN," is also present, as well as a tiny chip at the base of the mother-of-pearl handle (7.7 cm closed – 13.3 cm open). - A silver toothpick with a sliding mechanism, which is not original and is in poor condition – dented and bent. Its tip, however, has the advantage of forming a wax seal. The bloodstone is engraved with a simple branch (5.2 cm). - An ear pick that also serves as a toothpick. Twisted in shape, it is also made of silver but bears no hallmark (6.5 cm). - A commemorative thread puller bearing the inscription "Princess Charlotte of G…" on one side and "Nov 6 1817 Aged 21" on the other (6.5 cm). A tribute to Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales (1796-1817), who died at the age of 21 and who should have succeeded her father, the Prince Regent and future George IV, on the throne of England. These cases of proven historical interest are rare, especially when they are, like this one, in relatively good condition. Late 18th – very early 19th century.