A gorgeous wooden case, the lid decorated with diagonally applied veneer of the same wood. It has a gilt brass escutcheon. There is a silk velvet fitted tray; the lid is lined with moiré silk, bordered by a matching cord. The tools inside are made of gilt silver, or "vermeil", as it is called in France, the country where these tools were made. All tools are marked with the boar's head for silver, made in Paris, after 1838. The bodkin is hallmarked with the eagles head for gold, used after 1838 as well, so the bodkin is made of pure gold.
The tools in this case are: scissors, a thimble and a bodkin in classical style and three other matching tools, a crochet hook, a stiletto and a needle case in Art Nouveau style. The scissors don't exactly fit their space so they are a replacement. I have bought this box in France, with all its tools, except for the bodkin that was missing. I have added the gold bodkin because it matches wonderfully with the style of the thimble and the scissors.
The case is 4 3/8" long, 2 1/2" wide and 3/4" high. There is some damage to the right hand corner of the box, otherwise it is in excellent and clean condition; the brass hinge and push button are in perfect working order. The tools are all in excellent condition as well; the thimble is round, without dents, holes or repairs. The escutcheon on the thimble and on the case are still empty. The scissors show some corrosion, but they are very sharp and they cut like new.
This cased needlework tool set is the last item in my last listing of this year. I will be back with other antique sewing items next year.