#6959                                                                                          

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Palais Royal Piano Workbox - Exceptionally rare, this stunning figural workbox is made in the shape of a piano.   The top of the piano has inlaid ivory "keys" and a beautiful grain in the wood.   The side of the piano has a lovely piece of gilt trim in the shape of two cornucopias filled with fruits and flowers.  The piano measures 11 1/2" long by 7 3/4" wide by 6 1/2" high.   The inside lid has an absolutely amazing picture of what looks to be a grand ballroom.   The lid probably originally had a mirror which was replaced with the picture. But the picture is quite old - possibly 19th century.     

The tools inside the fitted tray include:  a mother of pearl quiver of arrows shaped needlecase, scissors, thimble, 2 stilettos, 2 reels, a toothpick, 3 snowflake silk winders and 1 fish shaped silk winder as well as a heart shaped pincushion and an attached floral stitched pincushion.    The original music movement is still in the bottom of the box although it does not seem to work.  

I believe that one of the two stilettos and the floral stitched pincushion are replacements.   There are two hairline cracks in the scent bottle and the toothpick has one small piece broken off of one end.   The needlecase has a small chip on the inside and the blades of the scissors are a bit tarnished and they do not quite meet.  The left side of the tray with the floral pincushion looks to be somewhat clumsily restored at some point.   I belive that all of these changes were probably made to the box in the late 19th century or early 20th century.   In spite of a few condition problems this is still a rare and quite lovely palais royal workbox.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 $3450.00                

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  #6904                         

Steel Scissors Case - Hanging from a miniature version of a chatelaine clip, this very rare scissors case is circa 1780.  In spite of its very small size, the hook on the back of the miniature crown allows this case to be worn at the waist.  The pattern etched into the steel is a lovely one of alternating diamonds and fluer-de-lis.  On one side the central medallian shows a crown above two hearts and two clasped hands. This is surrounded by the words  "Pour Amour".   On the other side the same symbol is surrounded by the words, " Inceparable Deu Coeur".           

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The case is in very good condition, although the chain has evidently been shortened a bit.  The top of the case slides up on the chain, but not far enough to actually put a pair of scissors into the case.   In spite of that, this is a lovely and rare example of an 18th century scissors case.                                                                                                                                                                                   $965.00

                                                                       #6431                                                                                          

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Miniature Scent Etui - Actually, miniature doesn't really begin to describe the size of this exquisite little etui.  It measures 1 7/8" tall and 1 1/4" wide.   I have tried to give you an idea of its tiny scale by including the quarter in the pictures.   The case is made of beautiful ivory with gold fittings.   The third pictures shows the etui from the back edge so that you can see the gold hinge.  The cut crystal scent bottle inside the etui is a miniscule 7/8" high (including the stopper) by 5/8" wide.  This is really tiny!   And the hand cut crystal sparkles and shines.  The inside of the case is lined in pink velvet.     

There is a hairline crack in the ivory on the back of the case which is visable in the second picture.   The hinge and the button closure both work well.   The scent bottle is in very good condition although the cap is missing.   It still has its original stopper which pulls out of the tiny bottle with ease.  There are no cracks or chips in the crystal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             $825.00               

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#6892

Miniature Scent Bottle -  This tiny scent bottle is attach- ed to its lovely silver case al- though the stop- per pulls out easily.  The case measures 1 3/8" x 3/4" and has the initials "L.G." engraved on one side.   The other side is engraved with the words, "Valutato per amicizia".                                                                                     $235.00