We've had many of these elegant and impossibly fragile and uniquely sought after sewing sets from the old Palais Royal boutiques which flanked the garden promenade and offered such fine goods to the elite of all over Europe. This set survives in such fine original form, each fitting filled with the original items:
Scissors with 18k mount shawls; thimble trimmed in 18k; needle case belted in 18k; stiletto with 18k collar; perfume vial with 18k screw-on cap; 2 silk winders in incised elegant mother of pearl (one lobe lost to time); I interesting tool that looks like a needle but has a center spindle with holes; 2 thread winders in iv or bone; excellent original mirror in lid and silk pad to lay on the tools; lift out tray and a very clean interior. The box is solid hardwood in trunk shape with hinged handle. Measurements noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent condition throughout. One silk winder in mother of pearl has one broken lobe and the needle case closes with a rolled paper into the hole of lid. I find no other imperfections to mention. Lock intact but without a key at listing time. Outer solid wood box is beautiful in contrasting hardwoods. Silk pad is excellent, as is the entire interior - clean, excellent. As if bought 200 years ago and tucked away as a treasure. Just in from France.
