The term "Palais Royal" refers to the area in Paris around the Royal Palace where high-quality, elaborate works of art and luxury goods were sold to the European nobility in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This workbox is veneered in French Partridge wood and Satinwood and has a fitted purple velvet shelf holding mother of pearl sewing implements. The lid has a mirror to the underside. The box measures 20 x 13 x7 cm.
The box itself is in decent condition for its age. The hinges and veneer are still sound. I'm not sure if the handle on the top is original and there is a slight split where it attaches.
The mirror inside is in fragile antique condition with Mercury loss from the back and some missing glass in one corner and a crack in another. please see photos.
The base is not lined. I'm not sure if it would have been originally.
The velvet fitted shelf is in good condition for it's age.
The scissors and thimble are not original. Included are original ;
- mother of pearl cotton reel
- mother of pearl snowflake silk winder
- cut glass scent bottle
- mother of pearl , gold trimmed needle case( I believe this to be real gold although unmarked)
- mother of pearl sewing awl
The mother of pearl is good on these items and sell individually for a surprising amount!
Additionally there are other bone and MOP tools included in the box. There is also a key which locks the box but I don't think this is original.
Overall this is a fantastic little antique find for the collector and a rare survivor.
please study photos carefully. UK sales only. sorry.