Images(5)

Etui Sewing Case and Tools

Date1838 or later

OriginEurope, France

MediumCase: Brazilian rosewood, lined in silk. Tools: 18k gold; steel

Dimensions#1 Case: 4 7/8" OH, ¾" OD, 2/58" OW #2 Scissors: 3 5/8" OL, OW #3 Thimble: 1 ¾" Diam., 7/8" OL #4 Punch or stiletto: 3" OL, ½" OW #5 Bodkin: 2 ¼" OL #6A-B Needlecase: 3" OL, 5/8" OW

Credit LineGift of Devorah Bishop

Object number2009-14,1-6A&B

DescriptionThis is a sewing case or etui of Brazilian rosewood lined in magenta silk containing gold and steel sewing tools: 2) scissors, 3) thimble, 4) punch or stiletto, 5) bodkin, and 6 A&B) needle case. The sewing case is a trapezoid with a floral and scroll inlay of yellow wood with a black painted outline. There is a hinge on the long base of the trapezoid and a latch on the short base with button that pushes in to open the case. The inside is lined with magenta and black or dark blue changeable silk and bordered with a red and gold braid. Each tool has a designated place within the case: the scissors and thimble in the center flanked by the bodkin and needle case on one side and the stiletto on the other. Each of the five tools are gold-toned with the exception of the blades on the scissors and the point of the stiletto, which are steel. The floral and scroll design on the outside of the box continues on the tools, creating highly decorative sewing tools. The needle case cover pulls off to open. The scissors are inscribed "Nogent' and the stiletto handle has a rectangle for personalization--one side is engraved "Florence."

Label TextFive ornate sewing tools are nestled in this equally beautiful case. Known as an etui, sewing case, or necessaire, it holds scissors, a needle case, a stiletto for punching holes, a thimble, and a bodkin for threading tape through clothing or other textiles. Each item has its own unique space, making replacing a lost tool difficult. The scissors are inscribed on the blade "Nogent" indicating that they were made in the renowned cutlery town of Nogent, France, just outside Paris. The stiletto is engraved "Florence," personalizing the set for its user. This type of case was prized in the nineteenth century and today because of its artistic beauty and use of gold.
Inscribed"Florence"
MarkingsNogent