A splendid mid-1800s French sewing chest, nearly 11" long, boulle inlays of brass and mother of pearl that shimmer in light. The beautiful old box is equally as beautiful on the interior, fine wood grain with compliment inlay (see interior lid) and a lift-out tray with 6 wood spools, all the original sewing tools (including that wonderful bodkin with ear wax spoon on one end), 2 sets of scissors, stiletto and needle case. The thimble is silver, not coated in gold. The smaller set of embroidery scissors are steel, definitely original to this box and fitted perfectly. Even the old moire silk pad remains with the set, as well as does the working original key. It has definitely been kept, treasured, probably not even used, since it was made circa 1840-70s.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the inlays are in excellent condition and are all elaborate and beautiful. There is one notable flaw, some age separation hairline from the old hardwood naturally shrinking in time. At certain angles of light, you can see it more easily. With all the ornament and stunning wood grain, it takes a far backseat to the things that are perfect about this box. Large at 10 5/8" x 7 1/8" and 3 3/4" tall when closed, it has numerous compartments, including the large one beneath the main lift-out tray. All compartment covers are in place, nicely preserved. And yes, the sewing implements do have the tiny boar's head profile, mark for .800/1000 pure silver, the preferred purity for use in sewing items as it's stronger than .950/1000 1st Minerve. No dents to silver, no breaks at scissor's handle, and that fabulous ear wax/bodkin, which so often has gone missing in these old sets.
