A Victorian coromandel wood dressing case or vanity box, a luxurious travel accessory popular in the 19th century. These boxes are fitted with various compartments, including cut-glass bottles and jars with engraved metal lids, often sterling silver or silver-plated. Features and History Materials: The exterior of the box is likely veneered in highly valued coromandel wood, It features mother-of-pearl inlay around the edges and on the escutcheon (keyhole cover). The interior is lined with rich blue velvet. Contents: The numerous cut-glass containers were designed to hold various toiletries such as perfumes, powders, and creams. Function and Status: Originally a utilitarian item, the dressing case evolved into a significant status symbol, especially as affluent ladies began travelling more frequently for long social visits. The complexity and quality of the box and its contents were a public display of the owner's wealth and social standing. Hidden Compartments: Many of these cases, including the one pictured, contain clever secret features, such as a removable mirror with a document pocket behind it in the lid, or a hidden spring-loaded drawer for jewellery access via a discreet button.