#6951                                                                                          

Click here for larger image.

                                                   

Click here for larger image.

                                               

Click here for larger image.

                                                                                                                         

French Prisoner of War Workbox - In the late 1700's and into the early 1800's, French prisoners of war being held in British prisons were required to earn their keep.  Many of the thousands of prisoners turned to making carvings and crafts in order to survive.  These items were sold on market day at the prison to the wealthy locals and visiting aristocracy.   The most famous of these prisons was located in Peterborough.   A picture from an exhibition of Peterborough Prisoner of War Work is shown on page 21 of Bridget McConnels book entitled The Story of Antique Needlework Tools.   The picture shows four workboes that are VERY similar to this one.  

The box measures 8 1/2" x 6" by 5 1/4" high and it features a pincushion on the top.   The veneer is carved from bone and shows a lovely delicate green design all around.   Because these beautiful pieces were fairly fragile even when they were new, boxes of this type are pretty rare.   And this one is showing a bit of its age.   The front right foot is missing its veneer, and one of the back corners is missing a bit as well.  Two of the other feet are chipped just a bit. Overall however, the box is in fairly good condition.  The pincushion is original as is the paper lining on the inside of the workbox.  But as the pictures show, the paper on the inside is not in good condition.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        $975.00                

Click here for larger image.

Click here for larger image.

#6947

Dieppe Pin Disc -  The ivory carvings from the French seaport town of Dieppe are con- sidered to be among the finest in the world.  This pin disc is an excellent example of a Dieppe carving.  There is so much dimension to the florals that they almost beg to be touched and admired.   They are exceptionally realistic. It features its original silk ribbon and has only one chip in the ivory edge.                                                                                                                                                                                       $325.00

Click here for larger image.

  #6950                         

Thimble Case - This gorgeous thimble case is made up of alternating panels of mother of pearl and abalone.   The abalone is especially beautiful as it is showing a lovely rainbow of colors.  The inside of the case is edged in ivory and lined in a beautiful blue velvet.  The bottom of the case retains its original paper.        

Click here for larger image.

 

The small thimble inside the case is hallmarked for      Birmingham, 1899, so it is quite a bit later than the case.  The thimble is not quite round, but it is other- wise in excellent condition.   There is one area where the abalone is a bit chipped and the hinge feels just a tiny bit loose.  I hesitate to mention the hinge because that is very minor.                                                                                                                                                                                  $325.00

Click here for larger image.

Click here for larger image.

#6946

Silver Scissors -  These ornate silver scissors  feature swirls and flourishes on both the handles and the matching sheath. They measure 3 3/4" in length, and they have intact points.  One handle is just a bit loose although it is still solidly attached.   I did not find any markings on either the blades or the handles.                                                                                           $265.00

Click here for larger image.

  #6944                         

Scissors Chatelaine - While I am not sure that these scissors are original to the chatelaine clip, they do look very nice together.  The clip is marked sterling.  The scissors are marked Grasoli, Germany on the blades and they are quite heavy.         

Click here for larger image.

 

                          

The chatelaine clip and the chain measure 21" in length, while the scissors measure approximately 6" in length.   The condition of both pieces is excellent.                                                                                                                                          $135.00

                                                                       #6936                                                                                          

Click here for larger image.

                                                   

Click here for larger image.

                                               

Click here for larger image.

                                                                                                                         

Palais Royal Etui - Undoubtedly made in the palais royal district of Paris in the early 19th century, this beautiful boxed needlework set is both rare and quite special.   The set includes: mother of pearl handled scissors, needlecase, star shaped silk winder and two reels, as well as a crystal scent bottle and a replacement gilt thimble.  The scissors are especially beautiful.   The velvet lined fitted box is embossed red leather.     

The reels, the silk winder and the scissors are in excellent condition.  The scent bottle has an obvious repair and the needlecase has a small chip on the inside of the case (visable in the 3rd picture).  The bodkin is missing.   The button closure on the box is also missing, although the box opens and closes with absolutely no problem.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           $1895.00