~Oreillers~

19th century French leather fitted sewing box in the shape of a trunk embossed
with a gold scrolling leaf design. The fitted needlework box was carefully made
because it was an integral part of the social life of the privileged woman during
the first half of the 19th century. Needlework boxes were commonly sold by
jewelers and stamped with the jeweler’s name on the inside. This one bears the
imprint of A.Augis of Lyon on the silk lining. The velvet lined fitted tray has gold
tools, two thread winders, scissors, needle case, thimble, large needle and two
stilettos, used for making holes in clothing for fasteners. The fitted tray lifts out so
that thread may be stored underneath. The handles on the tools have serpents
while the needle case and thread winders have a floral design. Amazingly this
box still retains its original key for locking.

Condition: It’s not uncommon for sewing tools to break while being used and
boxes were rarely, if ever, refitted with new tools. This box has a different style
of thimble and the large needle replaces a bodkin. Otherwise this box is in
wonderful condition.