Antique English Mother Of Pearl Cased Sewing Box w/ Tools

Sterling Silver Thimble * Dated 1883

This wonderful English sewing workbox is made of wood and covered all over with mother of pearl tiles. The top has a diamond shaped silver cartouche that has been engraved (A.G.S. from R.S.) Inside, it's lined with the original silk velvet and has an extensive collection of matching mother of pearl, steel and silver tools. It contains a mother of pearl handled crochet hook, stiletto, button hook, file, tweezers, penknife and corkscrew. There are also 2 pairs of steel scissors and a sterling silver (tested) propelling pencil, bodkin and thimble. This set predates the law requiring English silversmiths to hallmark and thus pay duty on small silver items.

The scissors measure 3 5/8" and 4 1/2" long. They both have tight blades, intact points and cut like new to the tips. The mother of pearl tools are in excellent condition with no chips, cracks or rust. The sterling silver thimble has a faceted rim and a hand engraved band. It's in mint condition with no holes, repairs or even a scratch and is about an American size 7 (14.5 mm diameter opening). The propelling pencil has engine turned engraving on the sides. It works very well (twists out the lead). The top is set with a cross cut agate seal and that unscrews to store extra leads below. It uses about a size 1.0 lead.

The mother of pearl tiles covering the case are all intact and in great condition with no chips or cracks. The interior silk velvet has very little wear and the date June 16th 1883 is inscribed on the inner edge of the case. The case measures 6" x 3 3/8". The push button clasp works and holds it closed but there's a gap where the edges come together. This is all in all, a beautifully collectible set.



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