Such a beautiful little sewing set! The etui or box of kingwood inlaid with mother of pearl and a contrasting wood as cartouche, no monogram. Inside, a complete and original sewing implements set in fine 19th century French .900/1000 pure silver handles, thimble and needle case, bodkin, with 18k gold layer, "vermeil". Each bit has the boar's head profile, which is the French control mark for .800 silver. That is the standard French silver quality used for small implements like these, and is not quite sterling silver, a bit stronger and more durable in thinner forms. Set dates to Napoleon III or mid-Victorian era, c.1850-70s and exhibits the usual fine quality throughout.
Very good to excellent throughout, age and type considered. The case is excellent, push-button and hinges fine, and interior of Royal purple silk and silk velvet still very intact. The scissors are extra sharp, none of the implements is bent nor broken, but the scissors handles and the thimble, likely used the most, have lost much of their original 18k gold layer. Needle case, stiletto handle and bodkin (ribbon-threading needle) each retain the gold well. A very fine set, just recently in with shipment from France!
