#6975                                                                                          

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Miniature Walnut Etui - Miniature etuis were a very popular novelty in the second half of the 19th century. Made from an actual walnut, this wonderful little etui is fitted with beautiful etched silver.   The lid is lined with silk.  The tools inside include a gorgeous red crystal scent bottle with an etched silver lid, a silver thimble and needlecase and really tiny pair of gilt scissors.  The walnut measures 2" x 1 1/2" x 1 3/4" high.      

As the pictures show there are two very tiny pieces missing, most likely they would have been a stiletto and a bodkin.  And while the gilt scissors are not original to this walnut etui, they are exactly the right size to fit into the case.  They were probably from another walnut etui.   The scent bottle is also missing its stopper.   But in spite of these imperfections, this would be a lovely and rare addition to your collection of needlework related antiques.

                                                                                                                                     $985.00               

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  #6976                         

Quaker Pincushion  - This beautiful pincushion is made in the same style as those wonderful 18th century pinballs.   The only difference is that this pincushion is slightly flatter and not made into a round ball shape.  These lovely pieces are actually knitted with very tiny knitting needles and they usually feature floral designs like these.  This one has a basket of flowers on one side, and a quilt-like star design on the other side.  The edges of the pincushion are covered with a red silk ribbon.     

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The condition of this wonderful pincushion is very good.   The origin- al silk edging is showing several spots where the pins were stuck in over the years, but there are no holes or ravellings in the silk ribbon.   And the front and back of the pincushion have no holes and only a tiny bit of bleeding from the red ribbon on one side.  So this is in truly very good condition.                                                                                                                                                         $675.00

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#6979

Silver Thimble in Leather Case  - The inside lid of this leather cover- ed thimble case reads "H. Pale-  thorpe Arcade Roscombe". The silver thimble has no holes but it is a bit bent and is not quite round.  It fits in the case very nicely.   The case itself is showing a fair amount of loss to the leather.                                                                                                                                                                       $65.00

                                                                       #6974                                                                                          

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Pinball - Originally, this rare and wonderful pinball probably hung from a chatelaine.  I believe it to be circa 1760.  As I mentioned in the above description of the Quaker pincushion, these pinballs were actually knitted using silk on very tiny knitting needles.  Our needlewoman gave us her initials - "M. W.".  On one side of the pinball we see a pattern of strawberries, while on the other side we see a lovely garden of flowers.   As these knitted pinballs are quite early, they are also quite rare.  Keep in mind that they were used and were handled frequently.  So pieces of this age are very difficult to find.  This one still retains its original silver band around the middle.       

As the pictures show, there is a worn area on the floral side of the pinball.  You can see through to the linen lining below the surface.  Considering the hard use it must have received from the 18th century on, I think this wonderful pinball is still in good condition.  Other than that one worn area, there are no other holes or worn spots.                                                                                                                 $950.00               

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  #6980                         

Embossed Leather Etui  - This lovely etui would probably have originally held a stunning set of gold scissors and thimble. Sadly, the tools are gone, but this gorgeous case would be perfect to house your favorite pair of scissors.  There are embossed flowers on both sides of the case, as well as an elegant edging.   It measures 4 5/8" long and 1 7/8" wide at its widest point.     

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The inside of the case is lined in velvet, which is showing a bit of wear on one side.  The only wear to the outside of the case is near the lovely hook closing. That is visible in the first picture.  Otherwise the leather is in excellent condition.                                                                                                                                 $385.00

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  #6977                         

Peacock Pincushion -  This lovely pincushion features two charming peacocks and two small dogs.  And while it doesn't com- pletely show in the pictures, there is a lovely edging pattern sur- rounding the peacocks and the edge of the pincushion.     

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The condition of the pincushion is excellent.  If you click on the enlargement of the first picture, you might be able to see a few tiny spots where pins have been stuck in but there is no other damage or wear that I can find - just a bit of general aging.                                                                                                                  $195.00

                                                                       #6978                                                                                          

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Tortoise Etui - The first thing I have to say about this stunning etui is that the pictures simply do not do it justice.   This phenominal set is much prettier than the pictures can show!    The extremely high quality Dutch tools are made of 14kt. gold.  There is a needlecase, a thimble, a stiletto, a bodkin and a gorgeous pair of scissors with a sheath.  All of the tools are embossed with a lovely pattern of swirls and flourishes.  The tortoise shell box is almost translucent and features ivory trim and bun feet.   The box measures 6" x 3" x 1 1/2" high.   This set is circa 1890.  

The box has a small almost star shaped hairline crack on the top and and a small repair above one of the hinges on the back.  There is also a repair to the ivory trim that is visible in the second picture.  The stiletto has been repaired on one side, but it is barely noticable.   Other than that the tools are in excellent condition. The scissors are still sharp and they cut well.  This etui would be the star in anyone's collection.

                                                                                                                                     $2465.00