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#6069

Tunbridgeware Box - This lovely little box was made in the spa town of Tun- bridge Wells, England.   Artisans inlayed many little pieces of natural colored woods to create the stunning marquetry or mosaic patterns.  This beautiful box measures 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/4".  It is in very good condition.                                                                                                                                                                  $225.00

                                                                       #6396                                                                                  

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Ladies Companion - This lovely sewing set has a beautiful gold embossed leather case, which measures 1 7/8" x 5/8" x 4 1/4" high.   Inside the case there is a gilt bodkin, needlecase, scissors and a replacement brass thimble.   The scissors are particularly beautiful.                     

There are only two minor problems to the condition of this wonderful set.  The leather over the hinge of the case is cracked, showing the metal hinge.  The inside fitted part of the case is actually made of wood covered in velvet.   Over the years, the wood has swollen and the pieces now fit quite tightly in the case.  In order to remove the bodin and the needlecase, you have to slide out the inside of the case and push them out from the bottom.  The inside piece slides in and out easily.   There are no other problems to the condition of this ladies companion.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           $950.00           

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  #6252                         

Miniature Thimble Holder - This piece is positively amazing!   Carved from bone in the shape of a ladies vanity table, it holds a tiny pincushion, a darning egg and a silver thimble.  The  "mirror" of the vanity has a  picture of a mountain scene.   It is labeled with a town name, but the name is actually too tiny to read.      

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It is difficult to describe the scale of this piece.  It measures just 2 3/4" wide by 2 1/2" high.  The darning egg measures just 1 1/8" long.  The carving is ornate and delicate at the same time.  The silver thimble is probably a replacement, but it fits the opening very well.  It is a bit bent, but still in good condition otherwise. It has no holes.  The pincushion appears to be original as is the darning egg.                                                                                                                 $310.00

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  #6326                         

Sewing Casket  - This beautiful sewing box has a wonderful bit of provenance that comes with it.  Inside the drawer of the box is a handwritten note which reads, "Uncles's first gift to his sweetheart that he made by himself when he was apprentised 1843.  Had red velvet pincushion".     

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The box is inlaid with maple and features a beautifully crafted drawer with an ornate metal pull.     

It measures 5 1/2" x 3" x 4" high and, as the note mentions, the pincushion has been replaced.  It is in lovely condition as it has obviously been a treasured family heirloom for a very long time.                                                                                  $475.00

                                                                       #6048                                                                                  

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Scent Etui - This "treasure chest" contains two lovely perfume or scent bottles.  The box is wood with contrasting trim that is wood as well, and metal rivets or buttons on top of the trim.   It measures 3 3/4" by 2 3/4" by 4" high.   Its maker paid a great deal of attention to detail resulting in a charming etui.               

There is a bit of damage to some of the white trim, particularly around the keyhole.   The box still has its original key and the lock does turn, but it does not seem to actually lock the box.  Both of the bottles are in excellent condition with no chips or cracks.                                                           $285.00            

                                                                       #5398                                                                                  

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Tambour Etui - This stunning etui is made of tortoise and features a silver plate for engraving on the top.   There are no initials engraved on the plate.   The case holds seven different size tambour hooks (one is missing), and the handle for the hooks which is made of mother of pearl.   Tambour hooks look very similar to crochet hooks, only they are much smaller.  Tambour work was popular in the 19th century.  It was a type of embroidery that used a steel hook to pull a loop of thread through the fabric.

   It measures 1 1/2" x 1/2" x 3 3/4" high.  The condition of this etui is very good.   There are no chips or cracks in the tortoise and the button closure works quite well.  There is one missing hook, but absolutely no other problems to the condition.                                                                                 $875.00           

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#6204

Mother of Pearl  Needlecase - This is classic example of a palais royal needlecase made in the shape of a quiver of arrows. Unfortunately, the pictures do not do its beauty justice. It measures 4 " in length and is missing its enamel pansy, but is otherwise in excellent condition.     .                                                                                                                             $485.00  

                                                                       #5861                                                                                  

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Necessaire - This lovely necessaire has one of the most unusual boxes I have ever seen.  The rosewood box has a piece of convex glass on the top that covers a beautiful repousee' scene of cherubs frolicking in a forest, all surrounded by foliage and swirls.  It is both beautiful and unusual.  The box measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/4" x 1 3/4" high. 

The tools inside the box include silver scissors, needlecase, thimble (a replacement) and a knife, as well as a mother of pearl silkwinder.  The set is missing its bodkin.   All of the tools are in very good condition, as is the box.   The only condition problem is that the mirror on the inside lid is cracked.                                                                                                                                                                   $845.00           

     #6128 - Piano Workbox

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This incredible figural sewing workbox is

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                                                        made in the form of a lovely piano.   It measures 11 3/4" x 7" x 6" high.  The grain of the wood used is quite beautiful, as are the ivory piano keys.  The piano stands on four lovely and delicately turned dark wood legs.     

The inside lid has a chenille edged mirror which is fairly cloudy.   The velvet-lined fitted tray holds the following sewing tools:  silver scissors, stiletto, needlecase and thimble (a replacement), steel tweezers/earspoon and a second pair of scissors, and a cut crystal scent bottle with its original stopper and a silver top.   In addition there are two wonderful pincushions with metal embroidery and silver spangles. 

The four circular mirrors in the tray would probably have held four mother of pear silkwinders, which are missing.   One of the small mirrors is missing its chenille edging and there is also a bodkin missing. 

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But, all of the other tools are there and are original (except the thimble).   The silver scissors have been repaired.  There would also have originally been a music movement in the bottom of the box, which is missing.   In spite of a few condition problems, this is still a lovely and rare sewing workbox.                                                                                         $3675.00

                                                                     #6086                                                                                  

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Miniature Etui - This wonderful little etui measures just 1" x 1 1/2" x 2 3/4" high.  It is made of a gilded metal (brass, I think) and is hand engraved with birds, flowers and paired hearts. So, perhaps it was meant to be a gift from a young gentleman for his lady.  The tools inside include tiny scissors (just 2 1/4"), bodkin/earspoon, stiletto, pencil topper and tweezers/file.  I believe it to be late 18th century. 

Unfortunately, it is missing some pieces.  Probably an aide memoire, scent bottle, pen knife and 2 other very small pieces.   The stiletto has lost its gilding and the button closure is a bit loose, but still works.  It is otherwise in very good condition for a piece of this age.  Even without all of the pieces, it is still a lovely and rare miniature etui at a very affordable price.                                          $650.00