We have a huge warehouse. Over the years, buying in France, we've bought several very nice Palais Royal sewing boxes, not quite complete, with full intention of filling them in. Often, as we wander small markets throughout France, opportunity comes to buy same era sewing tools and scent bottles, spools, scissors, to fill them, or perhaps a poorly preserved casket but pristine tools - mother of pearl or sterling silver - vermeil. At this point in time, though, it seems prudent to pass along our "project" boxes and let someone else enjoy the 'restoration' of the sewing implements, mirror, as needed. This is one of those sewing boxes. Beautiful old burled wood casket, sarcophagus form which were popular in the late 1700s through Napoleonic era. Top with cut steel pique. Beautifully crafted chests which would have originally been sold through boutiques of the old Palais Royal, the Palace of Cardinal Richelieu. This one is missing the scissors and 1 silk winder, stiletto and tools in mother of pearl. The project is to locate remaining sewing tools to fill it in full. Fine quality sets for the elite. The boxes, alone, are beautiful as table boxes. This one is a personal favorite. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, casket and tray, and silk pad remains intact. As is visible, it has 5 of the original sewing tools (thimble, stiletto and needle case) but misses the scissors, bodkin, needle case and thimble, but has stiletto, ear wax/toothpick tool and 3 of the 4 silk winders which would have filled the empty fitted openings in the tray. Some loss - see photos. Charming addition of a dainty sampler tucked in below. A project piece! Also, the interior of the lid has the very old original mirror which in unbroken but silvering losses can be seen, still with original trim of chenille at border. For age, the box is very nice, though no splits or losses, beautiful surface and work. No loss to the stringing or escutcheon of contrasting woods. Working lock but no key at listing.
