These are more and more rare to source, and while this one is not pristine, it will display nicely and the implements are nearly all there (lacing small steel scissors and with a replacement pocket knife of same era. It is not perfect. Were it perfect, with Palais Royal mother of pearl tools still in place it would be double our price. That said, I will also say I bought this one to part it out, sell off the sewing scissors, thimble, quiver needle case, perfume or scent bottle, knife separately, but in the end, I still can't quite bring myself to do that even though it can result in a higher total sale price. I'm a purist, and if these sewing sets remain complete, or mostly so, I just can't bring myself to change that after 200 years. This sewing box, nécessaire, dates between c.1810-30, Napoleon to Louis-Philippe eras. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Good to very good condition for age and type, I'll list the flaws: Box: while nicely preserved in most aspects and displaying quite well, there is some damage or loss to lower trim wood, various places, 1 lathe-turned original leg is tilted and has damage to the top inside. A working lock is there but no key and the ornate brass escutcheon has a missing tip to left. Interior: original mirror in lid is no longer there and someone has ruched a claret red silk satin fabric there. A music box was once in the compartment beneath the lift-out pad to front of piano, no longer in place. Sewing tools: All 4 silk winders (snowflakes) are there but 3 have a missing lobe. Scissors, thimble, perfume bottle are each in fine form, 18k gold trim, no breaks or damage. Needle case looks perfect but I can't get it to open. It might open, but I will not force it to do so, As mentioned above, the pocket knife if the right age, and almost fits perfectly but is very very slightly too long for the fitting. Stiletto obviously fits its fitting so is original, and I am uncertain why it has a silver metal ferule rather than the matching gold one would expect with the scissors. Tray and fabric remains nicely preserved. Priced commensurate with listed imperfections, still a lovely display Palais Royal set.
