Antique 14k Thimble, 12k Sewing Tools, Fine Victorian Tortoise Shell Box, Case, Etui c.1850s

One of my own sets I’ve kept for decades, this is one of the most stunningly beautiful old tortoise shell boxes ever, excellent condition throughout (one nip to shell at one corner of lid) and with silver metal stringing and a cartouche up top that bears an elegant burin-engraved “D L”. It has all of the original 12k gold and 14k gold sewing tools inside, including 2 gold silk winders, thimble (14k), bodkin, scissors, stiletto, needle case – all original to the case. All have been acid tested, and there are tiny marks. The set is likely Dutch, I think. Very delicate engraving adorns each piece – so pretty! Steel scissors blades still very sharp. Seems not to have been used much at all, and definitely well treasured these centuries.  Measurements are noted on the photos.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type. The case is table box sized, and shows almost no wear or age though it certainly has age. Won’t be long before this one is 200 years old. Pushbutton closure working well, and strong hinges. The inner lip of the box is ivory, the velvet tray lifts out with a compartment beneath for patterns, buttons, pins, packets of needles, etc. The box is nearly 6″ long, 3″ wide and almost 1.5″ in depth, closed. 

IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or sell anything 100 years or newer; we donate to anti-poaching organizations; we don’t hunt; we conserve in ways that impact global warming (we’re totally solar at home), knowing those measures also protect the animals in the wild today. We also recognize the vast cultural history we preserve with our care and reverence for these antique objects, and agree with CITES that objects over 100 years of age have nothing whatsoever to do with species depletion in our current world. 

Our offering exceeds the age limitation of “more than 100 years of age”, and is well within the exemption for CITES regulation. If imported, met the CITES regulation. This item will be handled and shipped from our Utah business, and is not available for shipment internationally, nor within the USA to California, NY, Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington if it contains ivory, sorry. Please see our small print for more details.