Overview
An exceptionally ornate mid-century vanity set featuring a central alarm clock supported by a cast brass cherub, flanked by matching perfume bottles, celluloid trinket boxes, and a miniature harp accessory, all resting on a mirrored brass tray. The set exemplifies the Hollywood Regency aesthetic, designed to bring the theatrical luxury of old-world European palaces into the modern American home.
Story
In the post-WWII era, American makers like Guild Crest designed these elaborate vanity sets to offer everyday women a taste of royal French boudoir glamour. This set transformed a simple morning routine into a theatrical, Hollywood-inspired ritual.
Maker / Origin
Guild Crest was a prominent mid-century American manufacturer specializing in high-quality, gold-plated brass vanity accessories, jewel boxes, and mirrors. They captured the post-war craving for historical revival styles, particularly Rococo and Baroque, by producing heavily detailed, cast-metal wares that imitated 18th-century French court designs.
Condition & Value
The brass shows a beautiful, warm patina with minimal oxidation. The clock face is clean, though the mechanical movement's functionality is untested. The celluloid lids on the vanity boxes appear intact without the warping or cracking common to plastics of this era.