A rare Victorian silver-gilt perfume mixing suite, Thomas Hayes, Birmingham, 1897

comprising: mixing cup and cover, with internal glass measuring cylinder, J J Hicks Patent; perfume funnel, with inner secondary funnel, London, 1897; and peg and worm style corkscrew, all engraved with initials 'JMC' below a marchioness's coronet, in a fitted case 

The initials are those of Lady Joan Marion Nevill, daughter of Lt.-Col. Henry Gilbert Ralph Nevill, 3rd Marquess of Abergavenny and his wife, Violet, first daughter of Col. H.D. Streatfeild of Chiddingstone Castle, Kent. She married Sir John Charles Pratt, 4th Marquess Camden, son of John Charles Pratt, 3rd Marquess Camden and Lady Clementina Augusta Spencer-Churchill, on 2 June 1898. Upon marriage she was styled Marchioness Camden.

Lady Camden features heavily in the works of the royal and elite society photographer Alexander Bassano between 1909 and 1912. Bassano is perhaps most famous for his photograph of Lord Kitchener, used in the WW1 recruitment and propaganda campaign. He describes Lady Camden as 'tall and fair, with a great charm of manner' with a 'fondness of hunting, yachting and country life.' She appeared on the front cover of the August 1916 edition of Country Life with her son and eldest daughter. In 1920 she was appointed Commander, Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) and Officer, Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (O.St.J.) Order of Mercy. She died 4 July 1952 aged 74.

Nice clear marks. Good gilded frosting, very little wear. Small chips to rim of glass cylinder. Case exterior rubbed heavily. Good overall condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."