Always charming, and always rare to find, in 30 years we've had and sold maybe 5 of these, varying quality and condition. A couple of exceptional French Empire museum pieces among those. This one is also a fine early 1800s (c.1810-1825) Set, sterling silver rather than everything in mother of pearl. It is exceptional for the condition in which it remains. Every bit of the original sewing implements are in place, including 2 sets of sewing or embroidery scissors. The mother of pearl silk winders are each originals and they still rest on round mirrored recesses trimmed in the original chenille. The trim repeats around the original mirror in the lid, which has no breaks, no cracks. You can see age to it, it's not perfectly clear, but it's in better condition than most sewing box lid mirrors of a lot less age. Needle case, bodkin with ear wax spoon on one end, stiletto and scissors. Thimble. All still perfectly in place. The original scent or salts flask is there and still has stopper and cap, though this is the one flaw notable: a chip at the neck of the flask, a slight split to the silver cap. Shown well in our photos. Even the original silk pad with chenille edging remains, and only a small area shows silk deterioration/split. Original lock with original working key. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Around 200 years old, entirely hand-crafted in its time by a variety of craftsmen. The lift-out sewing tray reveals the old papered interior is still in excellent condition, too. Same with bottom of tray and box. I could find, perhaps, a little fault with slight oddness to one or two of the 5 lathe-turned wooden piano legs, but all are in place and none are missing. Even the metallic embroidery on the pin cushion panel is still fully intact and beautiful against the claret red silk velvet interior. I think we've shown it from all angles. It's incredible how nice the lemonwood is, edged as it is in ebony. Not a ding nor chip nor crack. Seems to me there's a very slight lift/warp - maybe 1mm - to the lid to left of the lock, but you'll only see it if you hold it eye-level. This one is just superb.
