My finest one from my own lifelong collections, there is not a single flaw notable in this exquisite sewing etui. It is filled with all of the original 18k gold tools: scissors, thimble, needle case, stiletto and bodkin, as fresh as the day some Marquis or similarly titled noble received it. In France, crowns could not adorn anything but those commissioned to a crowned nobility, and while we don't know the original owner, we can be assured the set met highest possible standard. Likewise, it does even today, nearly 200 years later. We'd date this fine set c.1840-50s, and it is likely it came from boutiques of the Palais Royal or makers along rue Honoré, finest goods in the world. Lots of photos show you there is not so much as a tiny ding on that rare hand carved case, no fade to the incised crown crest, and no loss or damage to any of the sewing tools within. As if it has never been used. It does come with a silk sleeve someone has made at some point later, so doesn't even have surface abrasions. Simple exceptional. Full measurements noted on the photos - a museum piece!
As noted, excellent condition throughout. The etui will come with a silk satin pocket sleeve. The fine silk embroidery panels shown with it are not included and just provide a colorful backing for ambience and color.
IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don't hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we're totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world.
Our offering exceeds the age limitation of "more than 100 years of age", and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.
