18th century gold & shagreen sewing etui

18th century gold & shagreen sewing etui

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Rare and wonderful George III sewing etui, or nécessaire, decorated with green shagreen panels bounded with 18ct gold banding and decorated with beautiful and delicate flowerhead beading. The push-button lid opens to reveal the complete and original accessories, each fitting into its designated place.

· Tortoiseshell penknife with silver blade, inlaid with gold decoration
· Gold bodkin
· Gold earwax remover (the wax was used to stiffen the cotton to aid threading)
· Gold pick & pencil
· Ivory note card
· Steel scissors with gold handles.

Shagreen is a type of rawhide consisting of rough untanned skin, historically from a horse's or onager's (wild ass) back, or from shark or ray.

An etui was a small case to contain implements for writing, manicure or sewing, and so-named after the French word
estuier meaning to keep. In the 1700s these small objects were an essential element of one's fashionable costume and even gentlewomen would make a statement about their wealth and status by wearing silver and gold etuis, sometimes decorated with precious stones.

This little work of art is in superb and original condition.

Dimensions:

Height 97 mm / 4"
Width 39 mm / 1 34"
Depth 16 mm / 1"
Year

c1780

Place

England

Condition

Excellent

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