Cut steel pique against red leather-clad c.1800-1830 carrying case, quite unique and filled completely with Palais Royal mother of pearl sewing tools, a crystal perfume or salts flacon (18k cap), needle case (18k trim) scissors in fine form, a silk winder, stiletto (18k collar) and a solid 18k bodkin or needle with crochet hook tip. Thimble is also mother of pearl and in fine form. All in remarkably fine condition, right down to the old mirror still in place inside lid and the original silk satin pad to protect the sewing tools and also the mirror. Definitely one of the famed Palais Royal sets - those sold through the opulently stocked boutiques flanking the garden promenade of the old Cardinal Richelieu Palace. This one is beautiful closed or open for display. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, not a break among all the mother of pearl tools, including those impossibly fragile scissors. The stopper in the 18k gold capped perfume bottle remains and is original. The bodkin (string threader 'needle') is 18k gold and has a crochet hook end. The case is very fine, very slight darkening to the old claret-red leather but no losses. Push-button and hinges are fine, as is the hinged handle. I will point out that beneath the scissors handle is a recess which now holds a period mother of pearl silk winder, but the form of the fitting/recess tells me it would have once held a tiny crystal perfume flask, 18k gold cap. I have 2 of those very old and tiny ones but neither fits the space. It came to me with the silk winder, as you see it. Mirror is intact. Silk velvet and satin lining is in remarkably fine condition. Fabulous set!
