19th Century French Palais Royal Sewing Box and Tools

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19th Century French Palais Royal Sewing Box and Tools

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Sold Date: 06/12/2007
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Textiles, Clothing & Accessories

This is a little French Palais Royal sewing box, 7 1/2" x 5 1/4" x 2 3/4". I purchased it several years ago from a reputable dealer who specializes in antique boxes, and she told me it was definitely Palais Royal, probably from the 2nd quarter of the 19th century. The box is not as elaborate as the (much) more expensive ones, and was probably made as a souvenir of someone's Grand Tour visit to Paris. From the outside, the box is absolutely charming, even though the brass escutcheon is missing. The little knob on top is brass, and the original 4 little brass ball feet are still on the bottom. The inlay and striping are perfect, and the wood is in quite good condition for its age. On the inside,the lid has a slightly padded cream moire lining bordered by red and cream chenille trim. T is a small stain on the lining, but no tears. The upper tray with the needlework tools is a faded rose velvet, with the pincushion and the shaped insets for the tools. As is common with most older boxes of this type, t are two tools missing, but the scissors, thimble, and mother of pearl bodkin and thread winder are original. The scissors are sharp and cut well, and the thimble has definitely been used as it has several little dents from the needle. Judging by the small size of the thimble, this may have been a gift for a young lady, as the thimble is made to fit a very dainty finger! Someone has added an elaborate silver needlecase which is sterling. The thread winder is set into a little compartment which has a mirror on the bottom, and the same chenille trim as is on the lid. Both it and the little bodkin are nicely engraved. Underneath the tray are two small circles of lace, as for an insertion on a blouse, and some lace edging. These came with the box, so I have left them intact. I have enjoyed it, but am now having to sell it, as we are starting the downsizing process, and I am only keeping a portion of my sewing collection. Since I couldn't figure out how to set a reserve price, I am putting the starting bid a little higher, and I am also setting a Buy-it-now price which is what my reserve would have been, mainly because I personally hate to wait for an auction to end if t's something I really want to purchase! Please contact me if you have any questions. We will be gone Friday noon - Saturday evening, but otherwise I will try to answer any questions promptly. Shipping cost is a flat rate, and will include insurance for the purchase price amount.