Antique Georgian Velvet Sewing Etui, 18th Century Pocketbook

We are very excited to offer this heavenly 18th century purse/sewing tool etui. It is extremely beautiful offered in the most opulent silk cut and uncut voided velvet. We see teeny raised pile velvet flowers in raspberry pink and green in a repeating pattern upon a silk weave ground. One can easily imagine this fabric used for a gents waistcoat from the 1780s period. This etui would have been an indispensable item at the time. Ladies would have carried this in their workbag or pocket, ready to reattach a patch to their face using the mirror, or execute a running repair to their dress.

See a very similar example at The Philadelphia Museum Accession Number: 1909-107

One slides the silver thread securer over the matching brocade button to raise the flap and reveal the original pink silk interior with original gorgeously bright silver gimp braiding. On one side we have a single pocket, then a divided compartment for storage of 5 x sewing implements. The other side of the etui has another single silk compartment that is faced with pink silk and silver braid and also incorporates its original central mirror (cracked).

Measuring closed 3 3/8" (9 cm) tall by 2 5/8" ( 7 cm) wide. Fully opened 8.5" (21.5 cm) long

Condition: As seen - The exterior is in very good condition with minor fading to the coloring to the front, minor rubbing away of the velvet pile on the original button. The silver metal braid tie is absolutely of the period but it may not be the original tie ribbon for this item. The interior is showing its 200 plus years of age. We see general age fading and silk perishing to the extreme edges. The silk compartment flaps to the mirrored section are in poor order, being detached.

A rare and sought after addition to your 18th century sewing, purse or costume collection. We wonder who has looked at herself in that mirror in the 1770s?? It is simply to die for........

ITEM ID:13308