The light burl wood and steel pique decoration, along with the sarcophagus shaped caddy or box, chest, would suggest this one is 18th century. In such fine condition, I know this type remained popular in the Palais Royal boutiques on into French Empire and this one might be as late as c.1810 or so. Surprisingly well-preserved, the old mother of pearl sewing tools, trimmed out in 18k gold, rest in their fittings perfectly and haven't any damage. The scissors are sharp, no damage to carved mother of pearl handles, nor to the seemingly impossibly fragile thimble (usually lost or damaged through time). Even the working lock and key remain, though I recently locked this one and had to have Rick work on it to unlock it, so I suggest you use the key not at all other than for looks. Please do take note if you're buying this one - finicky lock. Full measurements are noted on our photos.
In splendid condition, both casket and sewing tools, it misses just a single silk winder, and the padded silk which would have covered the sewing tools tray, protecting the mirror. The mirror you see in this one is a replacement, and is pristine. The original mirrors in these would have lost much of the silver foil and were also very thin glass and rarely remained intact through the centuries. The wood is satin elegant and I don't think it's missing a single cut steel pique 'nail'. The original handle remains and the other evidence it's just been stored for centuries and not used would be that paper-lined interior beneath the lift-out tray. Not a flaw. A silk winder and old mirror seem very little to have lost to more than 200 years. A superb set, indeed. Even the elegant little crystal perfume flask has its tiny stopper beneath its 18k gold cap. Box is beautiful from all viewpoints.
