Antique 18th Century Pocketbook Sewing Etui With Provenance Circa 1775

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Antique 18th Century Pocketbook Sewing Etui With Provenance Circa 1775:
$339.12

This heavenly French silk 18th century card case/ sewingtool etui is offered in the most opulent raspberry/crimson silk. The front andrear borders are profusely decorated with metallic gold wrapped thread andteeny metal spangles. The star of the show is the 18th century buttery goldplated metal clasp and the little pencil drawing contained within. This wouldhave been a very expensive pocket book at the time because it wasprofessionally made. It comes with excellent provenance from the deceasedestate of an English pre 1820 textile collector who had donated his examples toBritish Museums during his lifetime. ThePhiladelphia Museum of Art has a similar 18th century example that is far, farless opulent. The MFA, Boston has a similar green quilted effect French pocketbook thatthey date 1750-1800.

One slides the clasp opener with ones nail to raise the flapand reveal the original cream silk interior with original gold gimp braiding.On one side we have a triple divided compartment for storage of sewingimplements. In fact the original silver bodkin remains in one silk holder, thislovely bodkin has the Initials SP and to the opposite side in its silk holderwe find a steel netting needle. The other side of the etui has another silk singlecompartment that is faced with wool fabric needle book with gold gimp braiding.Lift this needle book and a gimp bordered silk frame is revealed that containsa pencil drawing on paper of a young lady. Having original stiff red cardconcertina sides, this is a rare little item that dates from the 1770 to 1800period

Measuring 10 cm by 7 cm.

Condition is very good but not pristine. There is perishingto the raspberry/ crimson silk on the very top. The gold metal thread and goldspangles have dulled with age. Moving to the interior, we see that the creamsilk lining is worn and has some perishing. The silk compartment flaps are ingood order; they just need re-attaching at their very tips. All needles, pinsand bodkin/ netting tool are included...this is as we discovered them.

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Item ID:10951