Antique French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl 18k Gold Sewing Set, Etui, – Antiques & Uncommon Treasure

These sets are so hard to source these days. In museums or private collections, one rarely finds a full complete set in fine condition. The set you see is all original to its case, and includes the 2 thread spools and the crochet hook or tambour, as well as the more usual pieces: scissors, thimble, needle case and 18k

These sets are so hard to source these days. In museums or private collections, one rarely finds a full complete set in fine condition. The set you see is all original to its case, and includes the 2 thread spools and the crochet hook or tambour, as well as the more usual pieces: scissors, thimble, needle case and 18k gold bodkin (ribbon threading needle). Each piece is trimmed in 18k yellow gold, and the needle case still has the little oval 18k gold and enameled Palais Royal signature cartouche. There is a recess for one on the thimble, but that one has gone missing. The other missing piece would be a 1 carved snowflake silk winder, recess for which is beneath the scissors. I just never break a set apart as some do. Sadly, there is high value in individual pieces, and often the case is damaged beyond repair and thrown away. Allow me to list for you what each piece sells for in today's market, as individual Palais Royal offerings:

• 18k gold trimmed needle case: $300
• 18k trim mop thimble: $300
• 18k bodkin: $270
• 18k trimmed complete crochet hook, tambour: $300
• 2 mother of pearl thread spools: $200
• 18k gold trimmed scissors: $500

Very good to excellent condition for age and type, the case is original to the set and has the original old mirror in lid, original chenille trim and silk pad, and all but the snowflake mother of pearl silk winder. Flaws are not so visible on display, but the interior lip of the needle case is damaged (see images), and the oval Palais Royal kiln-fired enamel cartouche in 18k gold which would have been on the thimble is no longer there. All gold trim is 18k, yellow in color, as is the bodkin (solid 18k).  Scissors are in very fine form, a tight hairline visible at one of the mother of pearl finger rings, to the top. The spine of the paper-covered etui which would serve as hinge is split nearly all along, and holding by only about 1. One might wish to do a paper restoration along that back panel. A stunning set, gorgeous for use or display. Mother of pearl is somewhat brittle and fragile, and these really are display sets. Dates late 1700s to perhaps as late as 1810.

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