c1830 incised Palais Royale mother of pearl needle book with ribbon tie SOLD

c1830 mother of pearl needle book was probably part of a Palais Royale sewing set. The covers are delicately incised with a scrollwork pattern and tiny drilled holes for the buttonhole stitch hinge; there are also two carved slits for a silk ribbon tie closure. Inside are 2 wool fabric “pages” with buttonhole edging of mint-green twisted silk thread.

It measures about 1-1/2″ wide by 2″ high; the covers are surprisingly thick and quite heavy. The mother of pearl is in very good condition except for a chip out of a corner (at a drilled hole) and a tiny nick at the middle of one short side. The silk buttonhole stitching that created the “hinge” is almost completely gone, but would be simple enough to replace. The brown silk grosgrain ribbon appears to be original.

SOLD