Protected by fully intact glazing (glass), the early 1800s kiln-fired enamel plaque instantly identifies this sewing box as originating from the boutiques of the old Palais Royal. Boutiques flanking the promenade of the gardens within the outer walls, the Palais Royal was home to Cardinal Richelieu and became a center of society and commerce of remarkably fine goods from late 1700s onward. Still, today, you can shop the boutiques, attend theater, dine and socialize at this Paris venue a stone's throw from the Louvre. In it's heyday, goods that now are highly sought after top of the line treasures we seek out seem to speak to us of that illustrious time and place.
Very good to excellent throughout. This set is all original and complete but for a bodkin. The tools are steel, include scissors, a crochet/stiletto combination tool and a seam ripper in the shape of a small knife. It fits its recessed spot perfectly. Even the interior, the mirror and chenille trim remains in excellent condition. No tarnish at all on that stunning plaque. I can't test to see it's gold content, but certainly it's vermeil at the very least. Elegantly worked kiln-fired enamels are perfect and still brilliant. No damage to the box, really. Slight age. A gem! Measurements are noted on the photos.
