Historical information

Manicure items date back to Egyptian times, but manicure sets were almost completely
reserved for the upper class until the early 19th century. A doctor of King Louis XV
created what was recognised as the first manicure set.

In the 1920s popularity of the manicure set increased. This was due to the changing role and perception of women as a result of World War I and also the wider availability of items such as coloured nail polish. It was influenced by the “flapper” era. The trends set by actresses such as Greta Garbo and Rita Hayworth in the latest technicolour movies inspired the popularity of the manicure amongst the woman of the “Roaring Twenties”

This manicure is an example of the home and travel manicures sets which gained prominence at the time. They have continued to be a popular person item until the present day.

Significance

This item is significant because it is an excellent example of a popular personal item from the 1920s until the present day.

Physical description

A manicure set in a semi-circular wooden box. It is lined with velvet and silk. It has a mirror attached to the inside of the lid. Items are held in place with elasticised loops. Implements include scissors, nail files, tweezers, and alligator clip and two small square metal containers for cosmetics or skin cream. Handles of some items are made of faux tortoiseshell.