This lovely workbox is an outstanding example of the circa 1810 English Regency workboxes. It is carved of wood and covered with textured red leather. It has a nicely molded & brass bound top with handle and sits on four brass lion’s paw feet. The interior is lined with green paper and textured leather and it’s divided into several sections. The top has the original screened silk scene of a lady with a lion and elephant in a detailed floral border. Inside there are several ivory sewing tools, 4 thread barrels and a tape measure. The lift out leather tool pad has steel tools, scissors, a stiletto and tweezers/earspoon. A steel top sterling silver thimble sits in the thimble compartment. There’s a slot next to it that would have held a finger guard or ring. There are two built in screened silk pin cushions and a leather needle book in a slot between them. The front has a rare feature. 6 compartments lie below hinged leather covered sections. Balls of thread were to be placed below and the sewing threads pulled up through holes on the top. It still has two of the thread balls. It also has the original key. There is a drawer in the front for holding patterns and other supplies. It is locked closed until a metal nail (spike) at the front edge of the box is lifted.
The tall Georgian sterling silver (tested) thimble has a steel top. It is in great condition, in round with no holes or dents. It’s about an American size 8 (15 mm diameter opening) but is tall and would fit smaller fingers. The steel scissors (3 1/2″ long) have tight blades, intact points and they cut very well to the tips. All of the barrels are in great condition with no chips, cracks or damage and they have spools inside. The ivory acorn tape measure has the original silk tape (partial) marked in centimeters. It winds back in by turning the spindle and works well. A wooden capped thread waxer rests in a loop on the back compartment lid.
The leather on the box is in excellent condition with no tears or loss. The hinges are strong and all of the hardware and linings are original. It measures 10 3/4″ by 6 1/2″ by 4 1/4″ high and the key works well. A similar leather workbox is shown on p. 44 of Nerylla Taunton’s book “Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries”.
$670.00
Out of stock
