c1880 carved bone parasol needle case

This lovely late 19th century bone needle case is carved into the shape of a ladies’ parasol or umbrella. The handle unscrews to open for access to the needles within; the top of the handle would have originally contained a Stanhope scenic viewer but it is now missing.

The condition is generally very good with a few tiny flea-bite chips in the sharp carved points at the top of the folded umbrella and no damage at all to the “creases” along its length. Under magnification it appears that the bottom point of the umbrella may have been snapped off, but it’s not readily noticeable. The threaded closure works very securely. Circa 1880. 4″ long overall.