Faisceau - an early French precious metal control mark we don't often see. The mark on each sewing tool tells you the luxury is there but so is the serviceability. This is a set sturdy enough to use without breaking scissors. The mark guarantees a minimum of 800 miliems of 14k gold, which is equal to 3374 microns in thickness. Typical finest French vermeil is a 5 micron depth of 18k gold. Remember, 14k is stronger for smaller items than is 18k. 18k is more of a bauble, exhibit or souvenir sewing set, but this one is of higher value gram per gram, and is meant for the true seamstress/embroidery lover. You can see that 3374 microns is an extraordinary luxury (over French silver) built for all the beauty of thick gold, with the added strength of silver beneath. It speaks to top end elegance, an extra heavy gold content and value (bouillon) but also fully functional sewing tools in this case. I'm used to lighter vermeil sets so weighed one of those, and even with the stiletto added in, the weight of sewing items was only 15.71 grams, against the total weight of this set without stiletto is 25 grams. Top luxury, solid silver, heavy gold. Housed in a solid burl coffret, case, box, nécessaire, which is also a statement of luxury. Measurements noted on photos.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type. Beautiful condition overall with the following notations: solid burl box has slight lid warp making pushbutton not quite engage. At some point 100 years or so ago, someone added 2 hook closures to front. The case is complete, lacking 1 perfume flask/flacon bottle, 1 silk winder, the silk pad which would have once attended it. Mirror is in place and undamaged apart from showing a little age. The set is over 200 years old, French Empire era finest quality.
