That odd looking piece? It's a boot pull. The small tin box? For tooth powders. The old toothbrush is missing, as is the round tin for tobacco. Scissors, ear wax spoon and tooth cleaning tool - only the open spaces carved into the lift-out wooden tray remain. Some 200-220 years ago, the kit would have been pristine, likely purchased from one of the fitters/makers of the Palais Royal, as by Napoleon's time that old Richelieu Palace and its shop-lined promenade were frequented by Napoleon's officers and their ladies. Long a center of Paris society, it remains today a fine theater/dining and shopping venue just a stone's throw from the Louvre, Paris. More grand trousse du voyage would have had engraved lock plates and sterling silver - Biennais, others of Napoleon's most lauded craftsmen. I've had some which had historically traceable names, crowns, etc., but this one has a simple and elegant monogram cartouche as you see. Difficult to know who he was, or what fate he met, but this bit of a French military life remains.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The beautifully crafted old wood remains satin-finished and smooth in the hand - heavy, no damage or loss. The remaining vanity implements, tools: A mirror would have fit into that compartment cover in the lid, where a comb would also have been stored with the remaining razor strop. Definitely used, you know this one was on battlefield upon battlefield, then tucked away to remember. The working lock does not have its key. The razors have horn handles. We've tried to show it in all angles, details. Splendid rare bits of the past, Napoleonic war.
