Meeker's
Mechanical
Nature Antiques
Larry and Carole
Meeker

Purveyors of Americana
Patented & Mechanical Antiques
www.Patented-Antiques.com

LCM@Patented-Antiques.com

530-620-7019


Antique & Vintage
Sewing / Needlework Kits / Etui

Most of the sewing related antiques you will find on this and our other Sewing Accessories pages originated from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, and were part two large and diverse antique sewing collections we are handling on consignment.  This is the first time most of these pieces have been out on the market in many years.



19th Century Lady's Sewing Purse19th Century Lady's Antique Sewing "Purse"   This is an extremely unusual piece---a fabulous and elaborate little purse, specially made for and outfitted with 19th century antique sewing and needlework tools.  My collector felt it was perhaps a seamstress' purse, or a purse that a "lady's maid" might have carried when her "Lady" went visiting, so that she could repair anything that might needed attention.  It is equally likely it was a fashion accessory, an object of decoration, carried by an upper class woman, meant to be shown off and admired as much as used.      

It is covered in what looks to be crocodile leather,  with a sterling silver frame, hallmark dated 1867,Antique Sewing Purse London, England.  The chain for the purse to hang from the waistband is silver also.  The silver clasp on the front of the bag is also hallmarked.

The interior is lined in blue silk and there are several sections for all the tools to tuck into.  There is a crochet hook handle in ivory/bone, an embroidery stiletto,  a small button hook, all with ivory/bone handles.  And a very small pencil.  There is a small notebook covered in the blue silk which is unused, as well as a silk needle holder and a small mirror.  There is a sterling thimble and a sterling tape measure holder, however, the blue measuring tape has fallen out, but is in one of the pockets of the bag.

The condition is very good and I have never seen another one like it.  This piece is from an outstanding and long-time collection, and is not something that is likely to come available again.  My consigner stated that although "it is not the most beautiful piece I have had, it is perhaps the most charming.  I have always been fond of it." 

Highly recommended!  

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Very Good....................$2495.00

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Trunk Shaped Figural Victorian EtuiTrunk Shaped Figural Victorian Etui   This Victorian sewing kit is shaped like a little trunk and outfitted with steel tools that include a scissors, stiletto, buttonhook, needle case, bodkin and a packet of needles.  It measures just under 6" across.  The outside is leather or a similar material and the inside is purple paper and silk, and is divided into 4 little compartments.  The trunk lid has separated from the base but could probably be restored.   Overall the trunk shows some wear, but the handle and front latch are intact and it still displays nicely.  These Victorian sewing kits are quite difficult to find these days, and rarely do you see the figural examples like this one.

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Good-....................$245.00

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Lady's Companion NecessarieLady's Companion "Necessarie"   This small flat leather covered sewing case has a silk and velvet interior and is fitted with all the tools the lady of the day would have needed including a one piece bone crochet hook, bone handled and steel stiletto, crochet hook, knife and manicure tool, and a silk covered needlebook.  There is a packet of needles and tweezers in it as well.  The tools are not likely all original but it is still a nice looking case that illustrates the style of the day.

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Good....................$75.00

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Victorian Tortoise Shell EtuiVictorian Tortoise Shell Covered Etui and Needle Box    This beautiful tortoise shell-covered rectangular box measures about 5" by 3" by 1" tall.  It is has applied silver corners and an un-monogrammed cartouche or inset.  The fitted interior is lined with red velvet.  It is outfitted with a beautiful setEtui and Needle Box of ladies sewing tools.  There is an exquisitely elaborate pair of little scissors, complete with sheath.  There is an ornately decorated thimble, which tests as silver, and a simply elegant little bodkin with a tiny acorn shaped point.  The other two pieces are a bone handled stiletto and tool with a tweezers on one end and a little spoon on the other.  I can find no markings on any of the tools and don't know if they are all original or not, but I believe most of them are.  It is a really fabulous piece!

Sitting next to it is a little tortoise shell box with a hinged dome lid with having a silver inset on which is inscribed the word "Needles".  It measures about 1" by 2".  The entire box is covered in tortoise shell---including the bottom---it is hinged and it has a clasp very similar to that of the etui.

Although they are not a matched set the two pieces work really well together and complement each other.

Highly recommend!

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Etui .....Very Good ......... $1295.00    VM-etui-4

Needle Box .....Very Good ......... $245.00     VM-tort-nb

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Oval Shaped Victorian Ladies Sewing KitOval Shaped Victorian Ladies Sewing Kit   Two different pairs of scissors, a needle case, and a thimble---everything needed by the lady of the day to take care of the mending and fancy needlework tasks.  Though the tools are silver I don't see a sterling mark on any but the thimble.  There is one apology in the way of a crack in the handle of the large pair of scissors.  A very nice set!   

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Good....................$295.00

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Elaborate Victorian Sewing Box Elaborate Victorian Sewing Box   This set of ladies' tools is exquisite.  They are very elaborately engraved and although I didn't find a sterling mark on them I can't imagine they are anything but.  All appear to be matching except perhaps the thimble.  The case itself is also very decorative, with a tortoise shell cover with brass inlay.  Some of the tortoise shell is missing.  The underside of the case is marked "J.L. Hausburg Goldsmith & Jeweller  Old Post Office Building  Liverpool".  Very elegant!   

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Very Good....................$695.00

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Antique Sewing Case with Sterling ToolsAntique Sewing Case with Sterling Tools   This lovely set of sterling sewing tools includes a glove darner, a stiletto, a pair of scissors, a thimble, and a strawberry needle emery.  Very sweet!

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Very Good....................$395.00

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Heart Shaped Outfitted Case of Ladies ToolsHeart Shaped Outfitted Case of Ladies Tools   This heart shaped velvet covered and lined case would have been the perfect gift for the Victorian gentleman to give to his beloved.  The mother of pearl handled tools, which include a button hook, several stilettos, and a crochet hook, as well as an interesting large needle, are not likely all original but it is still a nice looking piece that illustrates the style of the day.  And it would make a great gift for your beloved!

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Very Good....................$195.00

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We can help you sell your quality Antiques in this and other categories of Antiques.

If you have similar antiques or collectibles you want to sell please see our
FAQ Page, the Appraisal / Selling Page, and the Selling Your Collection Pages for further info about selling with us.

To view examples of the types of antiques and collectibles we have previously sold and are always interested in helping you sell please visit our Past Sales Archive Pages at our sister website www.AntiqBuyer.com.


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(1998 - 2009)
Larry & Carole Meeker