This little antique needle box is made of wood covered with beautifully patterned natural tortoiseshell. It’s in the form of a knife box, a very popular shape for these holders. The top, front and two sides are inlaid with floral designs of mother of pearl and twisted silver wire. The interior edges are veneered with real ivory and it was made to hold needle packets. It’s lined with the original (once) red paper. The top is hinged and it opens and closes perfectly with the push button clasp. Inside are two small packets of needles.
The condition of the box is excellent with no damage or loss to the tortoise shell or inlay. The ivory has some age cracks on the interior lining but is intact. It measures 1 3/8″ wide by 1 1/8″ deep and 2 1/8″ high. Similar examples without the inlay are shown on p. 98 of Nerylla Taunton’s book “Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries”.
$250.00
In stock
