A beautiful Napoleon III era (c.1850-70) French box, necessaire, surviving 150+ years in very fine condition. The silver sewing tools are just beautifully crafted, each bear tiny silver and silversmith marks telling us the set is typical, .800/1000 pure silver - the small items are usually .800 silver (Minerve #2) because it's stronger than the higher silver French grade of .950/1000 pure silver (Minerve $1). I can't read the silversmith's mark - very tiny. The set's lift-out tray holds all of the perfectly fitted tools, including 2 mother of pearl silk winders, superb and sharp scissors, a stiletto and needle case and thimble. One piece is missing - the small bodkin, ribbon needle. The easiest piece to find a replacement for. Measurements are noted o the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the box is superb, inlays of lemonwood in contrast with the walnut-look box. The original lock and key remain and are working. What looks like brass and silver inlay on the lid is actually painted on instead. The interior retains the silk pad and has what would appear to be the original mirror, still fully intact. Interior is quite clean. Seems like a gifted set which was treasured but never used. Beautiful set!
