#6908                                                                                          

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Pierced Bone Clamp - Exceptionally rare, this stunning needlework clamp is carved of bone and features mica to accent the pierced carvings.   The box on the top of the clamp opens to reveal a small silk lined sewing box with a velvet pincushion on the top.   This decorative technique is called Archangel work, named after the port town of Archangel in Russia where it was probably made.   Archangel was located on the coast of Russia north of Moscow and was sometimes referred to as "the Dieppe of Russia" because of its reknown for carving beautiful ivory and bone.  The clamp measures 6 1/2" tall and the box measures 4 1/4" x 3 1/2".  

The clamp would originally have had two bone reels mounted on either side of the base.   However, only one mounting piece of the original four still remains and the reels are also missing.  The base of the clamp is a bit loose where it attaches to the box but the attachment is still fairly strong.  And the velvet pincushion has two threadbare areas (further pictures on request).  The box opens and shuts securely, but the decorative button on the latch is missing.  The carving itself is in very good condition, although some of the mica is missing.  In spite of the condition problems, the rarity of this lovely clamp makes it a very desireable piece and a stunning addition to anyone's collection.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         $1450.00               

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  #6924                         

Silverplated Scissors Case - This beautifully engraved scissors case is circa 1890.  It is signed     " Walker and Hall  Sheffield".    The engraving on the top of the case features a lovely pattern of swirls and flourishes.  The sides of the case are etched in a simple but elegant zig-zag pattern.  The button on the top slides down to open the case which reveals a deep purple velvet lining on the inside.   The case measures 5 1/4" in length, 2 1/2" in width at the top and 1" in height.       

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The back of the case is nicked a bit along the middle one third of its length.   And the button closure is loose, although it is still in working condition.  There are no other problems to its condition that I can see. This beautiful silverplate scissors case would be a wonderful place to keep your special scissors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   $285.00

Click here for larger image. #6280 Abalone Tatting Shuttle  - While this looks like it is made of mother of pearl, it is actually abalone.  Abalone has a much more delicate and fragile appearance than mother of pearl.   This lovely little shuttle is a bit loose on its base, but there are no chips or cracks to the abalone.                                                                     $75.00

                                                                       #6812                                                                                  

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Palais Royal Necessaire  - In the early part of the 19th century, the finest needlework sets were being made in Paris.   When Louis Phillipe inherited the royal palace he turned one wing of the palace into a shopping arcade which was known as the Palais Royal.   Only the finest artisans were allowed to set up shop there and they catered, of course, to the wealthy aristocrasy.   They were famous for making exquisite things from mother of pearl.  This necessaire is one of those exquisite things.   

The lovely satinwood box features faceted steel beading on the top and a velvet lined tray on the inside.  The tools inside include:  a cut crystal scent bottle, mother of pearl handled scissors, stiletto, needlecase, two gorgeous silkwinders, a replacement thimble with a glass top and a pincushion.      

The box is slightly warped so it does not close completely.  It is otherwise in beautiful condition.  The scissors have a tiny and minor weakness on the handle and one tip is broken off.  The scent bottle is missing its inner stopper.   The stiletto has a slight bend on the tip.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        $1650.00               

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#6880

Ivory Tambour Hook -  This beautiful tam- bour hook is carved with swirls and foli- age. There are no hooks still in the handle.  When the hook was in use, the bottom part of the handle was screwed onto the top part, making it a lovely and graceful handle to work with.   The condition is very good with no chips or cracks in the ivory.                                                                                                                                                                                                    $265.00

                                                                       #6821                                                                                  

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Boulle Sewing Box  - This exquisite sewing box is made with an elaborate pattern of brass inlaid over shell.   This type of work is named after Andre Charles Boulle, who was the favored furniture maker for Louis XIV.  Usually, Boulle work is done over tortoise shell, but in this case it is worked over what appears to be mother of pearl or perhaps something very similar to mother of pearl.   The box measures 10 1/2" x 4 1/4" x 3" high and it features an absolutely beautiful shape.   The brass patterns are lovely, even the hinges are beautifully engraved.    Fitted into the satin lined lid of the box are the following tools:  mother of pearl handled tweezers, perfume corkscrew, file, button hook and steel scissors, as well as a key for the box.  

There is no question that this lovely box has been treasured as there are not one but two different hand made protective fabric covers for the box as shown in the middle picture.   One cover is made of chamois and the second cover is made of  a velvet brocade.   Both covers show a bit of wear as would be expected.    On one end of the box, there are two small  pieces of mother of pearl missing and there are a few small cracks in the mother of pearl, mostly on the top of the box.   But overall, the box is in good condition.                                                                                                                                                                      $635.00