Manicure Set
1670-1680 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This manicure set was among the contents of an embroidered casket used by a young girl, Martha Edlin (1660-1725), to store her small personal possessions. It is marked with her initials M E. Its four implements were used as part of her beauty and hygiene routine. It is unclear what each tool was used for, but they may include an earspoon for removing ear wax, a tongue scraper, a tool for cleaning dirt from under fingernails and a toothpick or cuticle pusher.
People
A group of Martha Edlin's possessions from her childhood, including this manicure set, were kept in the casket, cherished by her descendants and passed down through the female line in her family for over 300 years. We know little about her life, except that she married a man called Richard Richmond and appears to have been a prosperous widow with daughters and grandchildren, who was living in Pinner in Greater London at the time she drew up her will.
This manicure set was among the contents of an embroidered casket used by a young girl, Martha Edlin (1660-1725), to store her small personal possessions. It is marked with her initials M E. Its four implements were used as part of her beauty and hygiene routine. It is unclear what each tool was used for, but they may include an earspoon for removing ear wax, a tongue scraper, a tool for cleaning dirt from under fingernails and a toothpick or cuticle pusher.
People
A group of Martha Edlin's possessions from her childhood, including this manicure set, were kept in the casket, cherished by her descendants and passed down through the female line in her family for over 300 years. We know little about her life, except that she married a man called Richard Richmond and appears to have been a prosperous widow with daughters and grandchildren, who was living in Pinner in Greater London at the time she drew up her will.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver |
| Brief description | Small silver manicure set, made in England, 1670-1680 |
| Physical description | Small silver manicure set consisting of four implements rotating on a central rivet with a loop from which it could be suspended. The outer sides of the two outer implements are decorated (cast), and two inner implements are cut from sheet silver. One inside surface is inscribed with the initials 'ME' (for Martha Edlin). Maker's mark (nearly illegible but probably 'PR') is stamped on another surface. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
MARTHA EDLIN'S TOYS AND JEWELLERY Martha Edlin's silver toys and jewellery came to the Museum in her casket. Some are practical, such as the manicure set and the bodkin which was used for threading ribbons. She may have played with the tiny silver trenchers (plates), spoons and salts. The round locket and heart-shaped box are stamped with images of King Charles II.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Purchased with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund |
| Object history | Purchased. Registered File number 1989/1572. |
| Production | From Martha Edlin's casket |
| Summary | Object Type This manicure set was among the contents of an embroidered casket used by a young girl, Martha Edlin (1660-1725), to store her small personal possessions. It is marked with her initials M E. Its four implements were used as part of her beauty and hygiene routine. It is unclear what each tool was used for, but they may include an earspoon for removing ear wax, a tongue scraper, a tool for cleaning dirt from under fingernails and a toothpick or cuticle pusher. People A group of Martha Edlin's possessions from her childhood, including this manicure set, were kept in the casket, cherished by her descendants and passed down through the female line in her family for over 300 years. We know little about her life, except that she married a man called Richard Richmond and appears to have been a prosperous widow with daughters and grandchildren, who was living in Pinner in Greater London at the time she drew up her will. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.458-1990 |
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| Record created | May 7, 1999 |
| Record URL |
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