Antique French Palais Royal sewing necessaire. Early 19th century sewing box is of burl wood inlaid with a diamond shaped mother-of-pearl cartouche to the center of the lid. The front with a diamond shaped escutcheon and retains a working lock and key. Rests on four steel bun feet. Opening to reveal the lid interior glass mirror, silk cushion and removable tray. The tray is lined with velvet and contains an assortment of exquisitely decorated sewing tools housed in fitted niches. Carved from iridescent mother-of-pearl combined with steel and gilded brass or gold, the sewing tools comprise of a pair of scissors, a thimble, stiletto, bodkin, a needle case with applied enamel pansy medallion of the Palais Royal, together with a folding ruler, pocket knife, and a cut glass perfume bottle with a silver threaded lid hallmarked the hare head. Typically used on small silver items, the hare head hallmark is a Parisian guarantee (poinçon de garantie) in use from 1819 -1838. The mark indicates a silver content of at least .800/1000 and was placed by the Bureau de Garantie de Paris. The box also houses two metal square shaped lidded pots. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use. The box with some warping to the lid, it does not sit flush on the close but it does lock. To the sewing tools: Oxidation to the steel implements. A hairline in the pearl on the pocket knife. The thimble having cracks and loose band.
Dimensions:
Box measures 7 1/2" x 5 3/8" x 3" height.
Stiletto: 4 3/8"
Scissors: 3 7/8"
Thimble: 1" x 5/8"
Bodkin: 2 1/2"
Folding ruler: Extends to 11 5/8"
Pocket knife: Extends to 3 7/8"
Needle Case: 3"
Perfume Bottle: 3"
The pots measure 1 1/8" square x 7/8" height .