Amazing Antique 19th Century Inlaid Sewing Box with Silk Lining and Contents, a delight for any sewist. From the 1800’s, when every lady was an expert at fine sewing work. This beautiful wood box opens to reveal a burgundy wine silk lined fitted interior with a luxurious ruched silk inside top above the fitted and tiered case. The top tray is lined in silvered paper, with some of the compartments padded with the silk for pins. The center compartment lid lifts off, there is a space on the top to add small sewing scissors. Inside, a paper lined compartment holds an antique French gilded pin cushion. Two top compartments lift off with a small remnant of black and cut steel buttons. The lids for these two compartments are again covered in silk, each has a small mother of pearl button as a handle.
The outside of the box has a brass inlay on the top, this meant the box could be personalized with a lady’s monogram. The same brass inlay is featured around the keyhole, sadly, the key is lost. The box has a banded design, and is a lustrous and gorgeous wood, the bottom has been papered with a toile scene to protect any table it was placed on. In wonderful condition for its age, the box comes with contents consisting of: French Palais Royale Gilt Oval Pin Keeper, collection of silk thread spools, a spool of silk buttonhole twist, a steel thimble, two packets of needles, 2 small metal boxes filled with fittings for small watches, a small collection of black and cut steel buttons, a small box from Maison Mouillard, La Mans containing a large cut steel button, 2 pieces of lace trim remnants {they do have some damage}, a hat pin, a lace making bobbin, a postcard from Nancy, France, a length of silvered embroidery floss and a card with small oval buttons. A rare to find and quite delightful box filled with treasure!
- Measures 11-3/4″ x 8-1/2″ x 6″h.