Presenting a circa 1830 French sewing box made from olivewood with edges cross-banded in rosewood. A design on top of the lid with inlaid marquetry of rosewood, brass and mother-of-pearl with a central brass plaque in a scrolled floral design. The olive tree is not cut down for boxes such as this but made from the pruning of the tree that is essential to its growth. The inside lid is lined with a purple/blue padded satin while the fitted compartments are lined with a purple/blue silk velvet all are further enhanced with a white scrolled trim. Fitted with original tools of: 4 olivewood spools steel carved tools of: thimble needle case bodkin and a very unique crochet hook with four different hooks that thread onto the handle a fitted silk velvet padded needle/pin cushion 2 compartments that have tops that lift off The whole top draw lifts out to reveal a space underneath for holding perhaps a piece the seamstress may be working on. This box comes with the original key to the lock. Three of the tools are missing and there has been some rub to the surface on top in one corner as pictured in the second picture and ever so slight rub in one other spot on top but not as noticeable. Back left corner has a small crack as pictured, otherwise in wonderful condition for its age, a box any needle worker would be proud to own. |