Traveling Jewelry Case

Maker: Bazar Du Voyage, Paris, France
Material: Red leather over wood with brass trim. The fitted interior is lined with green velvet
Marks: Printed in glit on the front of the interior tray “Bazar Du Voyage/Rue De La Paix 26/Paris”. Stamped on the metal frame ina noval “Paris/ M –G”
Year: ca. 1865-66
Size: L 10 ¼” x L 6 ¼” x H. 4 ¾”
BMA 2012.08.06 Gift of Linda Grizzard Tiffany
Designed for travel, this jewelry case is covered in finely grained red leather and brass accents of strap work, handles, edging and a central medallion. A removable divided tray can be lifted to expose an interior well covered with forest green velvet matching the tray.

It is probable Adelicia purchased her traveling case in the shop of the maker, Bazar Du Voyage located at 26 Rue De La Paix in Paris on her Grand Tour in 1865-66. The firm was at this time the oldest trunk manufacturer in France, having been established in 1843 by Alexis Godillot (1816-1893), who would later become one of the most famous shoe and boot makers in France.

By the 1860’s the Walcker family controlled the business. Bazar Du Voyage exhibited at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition in 1876, at which time they were located at number 3 Place de l’Opera in Paris. In the last quarter of the 19th century Bazar Du Voyage wares were readily available in New York City. In the decade preceding World War I the company ceased operation.