ANTIQUE FRENCH PALAIS ROYAL - EGG SHAPED MOTHER OF PEARL - SEWING ETUI c1840

Here on offer is a rare antique French Palais Royal, large egg shaped, mother of pearl sewing etui, circa 1840.

Palais Royal is a term used to describe, not a single manufacturer, but to a name given to a small area around the Royal Palace that specialized in producing small elaborate works of art and gifts in the 18th and 19th centuries. Often they produced sewing tools and the etuis to hold them.

This gorgeous etui has a large egg shaped case carved in iridescent mother of pearl with gilt metal fittings.

The exterior is in good condition, it has some minor wear to the gilt and there is a minor crack in the mother of pearl, on the lower section, just under the opening plate, which is stable and secure.

The etui opens by pushing on the thumb plates.

It has a pad with cream silk velvet on the upper surface and silk on the lower, it was designed to lift out to provide a small storage space below.

The pad has looped fittings, they hold scissors, a bodkin, thimble, needle case and a small scent bottle, one is empty and would have held a large eyed needle for threading ribbon or cord through clothes, shoes etc. The interior is in good order.

I believe the tools are all gold plated on a metal base with delightful classical designs in shallow relief, but I can’t see any maker’s marks?
The bottle retains the original glass stopper (which I haven’t removed) beneath the hinged lid, the glass body is without damage. The hinge on the bottle has split and still works but can be repaired if required.

The scissors are missing the tip on one blade.

The needle case is stunning, but has a small spilt to the seam on the side. Please see my pictures.

The bodkin has a beautiful faceted body fitted to the cut steel handle.

This very rare etui is being offered in great used antique condition.

The etui measures 5.6” (14.2cm) long by 3.25” (8.5cm) high.

It weighs 258g.

A rare find and a wonderful collectable needlework piece.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50245