Antique Sewing / Needlework Kits
Etui
Most of the sewing related antiques you will find on this and our other Sewing Accessories pages originated from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, and were part two large and diverse antique sewing collections we are handling on consignment. This is the first time most of these pieces have been out on the market in many years.
19th
Century Lady's Antique Sewing "Purse"
This is an extremely unusual piece---a fabulous and elaborate little
purse, specially made for and outfitted with 19th century antique sewing and
needlework tools. My collector felt it was perhaps a seamstress' purse, or
a purse that a "lady's maid" might have carried when her "Lady" went visiting,
so that she could repair anything that might needed attention. It is
equally likely it was a fashion accessory, an object of decoration, carried by
an upper class woman, meant to be shown off and admired as much as used.
It is covered in what looks to be crocodile leather, with a sterling silver
frame, hallmark dated 1867,
London, England. The chain for the purse to hang from the waistband is
silver also. The silver clasp on the front of the bag is also hallmarked.
The interior is lined in blue silk and there are several sections for all the
tools to tuck into. There is a crochet hook handle in ivory/bone, an embroidery
stiletto, a small button hook, all with ivory/bone handles. And a very small
pencil. There is a small notebook covered in the blue silk which is unused, as
well as a silk needle holder and a small mirror. There is a sterling thimble
and a sterling tape measure holder, however, the blue measuring tape has fallen
out, but is in one of the pockets of the bag.
The condition is very good and I have never seen another one like it. This piece is from an outstanding and long-time collection, and is no something that is likely to come available again. My consigner stated that although "it is not the most beautiful piece I have had, it is perhaps the most charming. I have always been fond of it."
Highly recommend!
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Very Good....................$2495.00 VM-etui-4
Trunk
Shaped Figural Victorian Etui
This Victorian sewing kit is shaped like a little trunk and outfitted
with steel tools that include a scissors, stiletto, buttonhook, needle case,
bodkin and a packet of needles. It measures just under 6" across.
The outside is leather or a similar material and the inside is purple paper and
silk, and is divided into 4 little compartments. The trunk lid has
separated from the base but could probably be restored. Overall the
trunk shows some wear, but the handle and front latch are intact and it still
displays nicely. These Victorian sewing kits are quite difficult to find
these days, and rarely do you see the figural
examples like this one.
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Good-....................$295.00 VM-etui-1
Lady's
Companion "Necessarie"
This small flat leather covered sewing case has a silk and velvet
interior and is fitted with all the tools the lady of the day would have needed
including a one piece bone crochet hook, bone handled and steel stiletto,
crochet hook, knife and manicure tool, and a silk covered needlebook.
There is a packet of needles and tweezers in it as well. The tools are not
likely all original but it is still a nice looking case that illustrates the
style of the day.
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Good....................$95.00 VM-etui-3
Cylindrical
Shagreen Etui
This antique sewing kit dates from the late 18th or very early 19th
century and is very distinctive in shape. It is just 3 1/2 inches tall
with a hinged lid and is outfitted with diminutive steel needlework tools
including a tiny pair of scissors, two small sewing stilettos, a needlecase, a
tiny knife, an etch-decorated bodkin, as well as a sterling thimble and a bone
punch with a threaded removable steel tip. This one is really exceptional
and quite scarce!
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Good....................$395.00 SOLD!
VM-etui-2
Small
Sewing Kit
This small black leather covered sewing box measures approx 4 1/2" x
4" and is 1 1/2" tall. The bottom is marked Adolf Nader Dresden.
It has a nice little selection of sewing accessories inside especially the
little thread winder in the middle of the top.
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Good ........ $50.00 SOLD!
EJ-S-1455