This one is so gorgeous, I acquired it even though it's not complete and represents a project set. RARE form in earliest 1800s Palais Royal vanity and sewing necessaire, it is elegantly French Empire with dore bronze appliqués and feet. Made in the form of a period piano, in miniature, the cabinet is exquisite. Lifting the lid exposes some of the original sewing tools in mother of pearl with 18k gold trim, including an unusual gold-wrapped bodkin (lacing needle). One tool is an addition, dates much later than the c.1810-30 basics. There are 2 original bottles, each with marked French silver caps and the stoppers still in place, no damage to them at all. One original mother of pearl silk winder 'snowflake' fits the mirror-bottomed round to front of box. As you can see, it is one that would have been built with music box, and that space could be restored with same. Notable is the missing lift-out tray onto which the mother of pearl sewing items would have been fitted, and 2 jars to outer back spaces have gone missing, as has a tiny funnel and perhaps an eye-washing tool. The inner lid would have had a covered mirror, which is probably the simplest aspect to restore/replace. A working lock without working key at listing time. This one is for a dedicated collector who will have patience as the additional sewing items can be found/replaced with period ones, and if very talented, can recreate the tray. Full measurements noted on the photos. The silk embroidery panels shown are not included.
Very good condition for age and type, I find one small spot on exterior where the veneer is missing, innocuous spot (see if you can find it, as we've shown from all angles of view. Dore bronze appliqués firmly in place and complete. No key for the working lock at listing time. We'll check our spares to see if we can match one. I've reviewed more about condition and what's complete or missing in description above, so be sure to review it. Complete, these often exceed $4k and higher. This one is priced as a project set, in hopes someone will take it on and love it to elegance over time.
