Antique c.1810 French Empire Sewing Etui, Case in Tortoise Shell Pique of Gold, Silver, Tools Inside
The little thimble has gone missing over time, as you can see, but the scissors, needle case and stiletto remain within the elegant old tortoise shell case. Thimble is probably the easiest replacement to find, though this is a small one. The 3 pieces you see are all original and matching, lovely. The outer case is spectacular, no lifts or losses to all of that pique or marquetry, boulle-like inlays, and the serpentine form thrills the hand! One wonders to whom it originally belonged. I have not acid tested the gold, as I do think it is not karat gold. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, it is missing 2 implements: bodkin (ribbon-threading needle) and thimble, each of which are actually the simplest to find and replace. The remaining e objects/tools do match and are the originals. The interior of this case is elaborate, elegant, and certainly fitting for an outer case this grand. Serpentine form carved in finest chocolate and cognac tortoise shell, then inlaid with a