19th French Leather Needlework Trunk Shaped Box With Gold Tools

19th century French leather fitted sewing box in the shape of a trunk embossed with a gold scrolling leaf design. The fitted needlework box was carefully made because it was an integral part of the social life of the privileged woman during the first half of the 19th century. Needlework boxes were commonly sold by jewelers and stamped with the jeweler’s name on the inside. This one bears the imprint of A.Augis of Lyon on the silk lining. The velvet lined fitted tray has gold tools, two thread winders, scissors, needle case, thimble, large needle and two stilettos, used for making holes in clothing for fasteners. The fitted tray lifts out so that thread may be stored underneath. The handles on the tools have serpents while the needle case and thread winders have a floral design. Amazingly this box still retains its original key for locking.

Condition: It’s not uncommon for sewing tools to break while being used and boxes were rarely, if ever, refitted with new tools. This box has a different style of thimble and the large needle replaces a bodkin. Otherwise this box is in wonderful condition.