$35.00
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These three vintage pocket-sized manicure knives capture the elegance and practicality of mid-20th century personal grooming. With mother-of-pearl-style handles and multiple fold-out tools, they speak to a time when even a quick trim or touch-up on the go was an occasion for refinement.
One knife bears the single word âParis,â subtly stamped near the tangâa nod to its possible French origin or distribution. The others remain unmarked, but exhibit the same form, function, and vintage charmâlikely crafted in Europe or Japan during the postwar boom in travel-sized utility tools.
Perfect for collectors of vintage grooming accessories, travel memorabilia, or classic knife curios, these knives are a nostalgic window into a time when personal care met pocketknife craftsmanship.
Set Includes:
3 vintage manicure knives, each approx. 3" closed
Each includes scissors, file, small blade, and manicure tools
Faux mother-of-pearl celluloid handles (creamy, opalescent plastic)
One knife marked âParisâ (possible French origin)
Likely made between 1950â1970
All tools present, some show light oxidation and wear consistent with age
Sold together as a set
đ Historical Note:
During the jet-set era of the 1950s through 1970s, portable grooming kits became a staple of the well-prepared traveler. Knives like these were often sold in department stores, souvenir shops, and travel counters throughout Europe and Japan. They provided stylish functionality in a compact formatâand have since become collectible examples of mid-century design and ingenuity.
Whether tucked into a vanity case or brought along on a weekend train ride, these tools served as quiet companions of daily lifeâemphasizing the value placed on neatness, grooming, and style.
đ§· Collectorâs Note:
These knives arenât just functionalâtheyâre aesthetic artifacts of a lost time in travel and self-care. Perfect for display alongside vintage shaving kits, vanity sets, or as part of a retro EDC collection. Sets like this rarely survive intact, making this trio a perfect starter or addition to your mid-century curios.
â ïž Disclaimer:
All knives in this shop are vintage or pre-owned unless stated otherwise. While many are in excellent condition, they may show normal signs of age or handling such as scuffs, blemishes, or blade wear. I try to document condition as accurately as possible in both the description and photos. Feel free to reach out with any questions!