Rare find
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, and a needle case.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass latch.
  • May include: A red velvet box containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, red leather box with a brass clasp. The box has a raised, rectangular design on the top.
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass clasp.
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, and a needle case.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass latch.
  • May include: A red velvet box containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, and a needle case.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass latch.
  • May include: A red velvet box containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, red leather box with a brass clasp. The box has a raised, rectangular design on the top.
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass clasp.
  • May include: A red velvet box with a white satin lining, containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, and a needle case.
  • May include: A small, rectangular, burgundy leather box with a brass latch.
  • May include: A red velvet box containing a silver sewing kit. The kit includes a thimble, a needle threader, a pair of scissors, a seam ripper, and a small knife.
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Beautifully Crafted Silver Sewing Etui – Attributed to Joseph Taylor, Circa 1840

The PBS Collection

Handpicked by The PBS Collection

Owner of AntiquesInvest

What to know

Materials

Silver, Leather, Embossed Silver

Vintage

From the 19th century

A superb and highly collectible 19th-century silver sewing etui set, attributed to the renowned silversmith Joseph Taylor.

This refined example of Victorian-era craftsmanship showcases exquisite detail and artistry, offering both practical function and elegant design.

Exceptional Contents and Craftsmanship
The etui contains a complete set of tools:
Folding blade knife with finely chased floral silver scales
Pair of scissors with ornate silver arms and oval loops
Stiletto with a bird’s head and vine-shaped silver handle
Fish-shaped bodkin
Silver thimble

Each piece fits perfectly into its original leather case lined with plush velvet, reflecting the quality and care typical of mid-19th-century accessories.

Etuis (small sewing or personal tool cases) were indispensable for well-to-do ladies in the 1840s, combining practicality with fashionable display. Crafted from precious metals, they reflected their owner’s social standing and taste. Joseph Taylor, celebrated for his exceptional silversmithing, was admired for his precision and artistic flair—his works remain highly prized among collectors of fine silver.

Condition and Details:
Date: Circa 1840
Materials: Solid silver tools, leather case with velvet lining
Attribution: Attributed to Joseph Taylor, renowned 19th-century silversmith
Contents: Knife, scissors, stiletto, bodkin, thimble
Condition: Excellent for its age; minor wear consistent with use and time, all pieces fitting securely within their case

This rare and beautifully preserved sewing etui embodies the sophistication of Victorian needlework culture and stands as a testament to Joseph Taylor’s remarkable craftsmanship. A valuable addition to any antique silver or sewing collection.

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Condition Report: Good condition with minot wear and other signs of ageing on the implements commensurate with the time.
Thimble and bodkin associated.
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Provenance: From a private collector.
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Literature:
Cf.:Helen Lester Thompson, Sewing Tools, and Trinkets: Collector’s Identification & Value Guide, Vol. 2, 2022/ISBN: 9781574322873
Cf.:Kate Heard, George IV: Art & Spectacle, 2020/ISBN: 9781909741607
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Museums:
Victoria and Albert Museum http://www.vam.ac.uk
British Museum https://www.britishmuseum.org

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Price:$1,256.95

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  • Get it by
    Jul 30-Aug 6
  • Returns & exchanges
    Accepted within 14 days
  • Ships from
    United Kingdom
  • Cost to Ship
    $20.97 to United States, 43215

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