Rare silver sewing set in a casket with inlay work and a music box, circa 1840, Massin
Key facts
- Country of manufacture
- France
- Production time
- around 1840
Description
Rare silver sewing set in a fine casket with mother-of-pearl and brass inlays, featuring an antique music box dating from around 1840; the lid bears an old invoice from Massin Curved, sarcophagus-like casket (made of oak) with rosewood veneer and exquisitely engraved brass and mother-of-pearl inlays (cherubs, trees, vases, flowers, etc.). Small glazed lid with a tin-amalgam mirror (beneath which is an old invoice from ‘Massin Garnissuer de Nécessaire en tous Genres’ (a shop for sewing accessories)), inside, original silk lining and inserts; the upper one containing sewing utensils (scissors, needle case, thimble and threader), these made of silver, bearing multiple hallmarks including a boar’s head mark (fineness 800/1000) as well as two maker’s marks (PL and JM); the blades of the scissors and the needle are made of polished steel; the items are in good condition, though the scissors are broken at one tip and slightly bent. Weight (total): 21.1g In the base is a small music box with 68 tongues (14 sets of 5-segment combs; the last 2 have been removed as they are not required (they run alongside the main mechanism)); it is in working order and plays 2 melodies (on the underside there are 2 small levers for changing the melody and for start/stop), above which is the original glass cover to protect the mechanism. Overall in good condition; the mirror is loose, and there are various minor repairs and imperfections in the veneer (see photos), mainly on the lid and the small feet; the lid is slightly warped, so it needs to be pressed into the lock with a little force. The original key (for locking the lid) is included; the winding key for the musical mechanism is of more recent date. Dimensions: Height: 14 cm Depth: 17 cm Width: 22.5 cm