I will say up front, I can't guarantee this was a Palais Royal sewing box, but I can tell you it is very likely from one of those famed boutiques, c. 1810-30. The rare form, a piano, sometimes a harpsichord is so hard to find, we've had no more than 6 or 7 over a span of nearly 40 years and I'm always looking. It's a bit easier if it's filled with the signature mother of pearl sewing tools, scissors, thimbles with the 18k gold trim, but this one is fitted out in an incomplete and possibly fill-in set of French silver sewing tools, vanity items, and just a single remaining silk winder, one lobe chipped. The box is exceptional, and has working lock and key, and while the interior is very nice, you are going to have a little project to find some add-in sewing tools to complete the interior. The vanity jars and silver-capped bottle are snug and original. There is an original silver funnel, and another of other origin filling a hole that would, I'm certain, have held an eye wash cup. There is an .800 French silver vermeil needle case and bodkin and a set of scissors not original but very charming with dolphin handles. One set of scissors, one spool and the narrow early 1800s thimble are your project on this one. Full measurements noted on the photos.
Very good condition for age and type, the box is quite spectacular and has a knight's helmet worked into the appliqué escutcheon. Some photos do not show the key, but there is a working original key with this set, which closes it tight. Without key, it rests very slightly ajar and in that state, one can see there is just the slightest warp to the lid. Displays beautifully either open or closed. These are so rare, a complete one can range upward from $3k to a great deal higher depending on age and style. If you've dreamed of owning one, and are game to take on a fun project of finding fill-ins for the sewing tray, this one is superb! Lathe-turned legs, all original and in fine form. There is evidence of very small chip on 3 spots along that base trim around the piano, not missing veneer, but seems to have come off and then been restored a bit. Just a tiny thing to point out for your review. For age, the lack of veneer loss is quite amazing. No missing appliqué. The wood is really quite beautiful, looks like fine walnut or perhaps rosewood veneer. Varnish has darkened on the painted keyboard, as you can see. The interior is very nice, including mirror, which I feel certain is a replacement for the old mercury silvered original. It would have had a padded silk cushion to fit there between sewing tray/vanity tray and the mirror, and there is no longer one with the piano. There is a French hare profile mark on scent bottle cap, noting it is imported silver. That bottle also still has its original stopper fully intact. Charming set! RARE!
