Vintage 1950s Red Leather Pinup Heart Traveling Manicure Nail Kit Set

Details

Description

This is such a glamorous little piece of mid-century beauty history—a red leather, heart-shaped manicure case that feels equal parts … Read more This is such a glamorous little piece of mid-century beauty history—a red leather, heart-shaped manicure case that feels equal parts practical vanity accessory and 1950s pin-up valentine. Made in the 1950s, the case is marked “Ground Leather Case Made in Austria.” Similar Austrian-made leather manicure cases from this period were designed as compact personal grooming sets, but the heart shape makes this example particularly fun and collectible.

The exterior is a wonderfully bold lipstick red with a softly structured heart silhouette and a metal zipper running around the edge. Open it and the case becomes a miniature fitted vanity kit, with the manicure implements arranged in individual red leather holders against the warm neutral interior. The set appears remarkably complete. There are five manicure implements secured on the left and four on the right, which appear to be the original fitted pieces, plus an additional pair of pink-handled manicure scissors that seems to have been added later. The assortment includes several different grooming implements and scissors, all fitting neatly inside when the heart is zipped closed.

It’s exactly the sort of object that is almost more appealing today as a collectible than it was as a utilitarian item—part vanity accessory, part travel kit, part pin-up-era curiosity. Display it open on a vintage vanity or dresser, use it as a prop or styling piece, or give it as an unusually sweet vintage gift. The red heart shape would make it especially fun for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, bridal gift, or for someone who collects vintage beauty and vanity accessories.

Measurements:

Closed: approx. 5” tall × 5.5” wide

Open: approx. 10.25” across

Individual implements vary in size and fit within the closed case. See less