c1900 jewelry box with bone sewing tools & removable tray

Circa 1900, the clean lines of this sewing box/ jewelry case showcases the transition from ornate Victorian styles to a sleeker, more modern look. It’s a simple black leather case on the outside with a lovely Art Nouveau-influenced brass latch. The lovely interior is very tailored, with a lavender-grey moire fabric and grey velvet half-circle pincushion.

The inner lid is padded with gathered side panels and loops to hold the accessories, which are natural cow or ox bone trimmed with nickel-plated metal. All the tools are original, and there are no markings. Included are a 3-3/4″long stork scissors (marked Solingen), a bodkin (ribbon threader), a stiletto or awl, a thimble marked 17 Germany, a buttonhook, a needle case and a packet of Princess Victoria needles. The wire needle threader is newer but marked Germany. In the base is a divided tray that lifts out to reveal another storage space below.

It’s all in excellent condition with almost no wear. The tools don’t appear to have seen much use, except for the scissors which have a very worn finish. There are some tiny chips in the screw mechanism of the needle case (which still closes securely). All are sturdy enough to still use for their intended purposes.

The case measures 10″ long by 6″ wide and 2-1/2″ high, the hinges work smoothly  and the latch closes securely. The leather has wear along the edges and the narrow gold stamped decoration near the edge of the lid has a few worn spots.

SOLD