Antique Velvet Cased Mother of Pearl Sewing Set

English * Circa 1890s

This antique English needlework set is in a red velvet covered wooden case with the original fitted silk and velvet interior. The bottom and holds a pair of steel scissors, a steel bodkin, a mother of pearl button hook, stiletto and crochet hook and a sterling silver thimble. The top has silk straps and holds three old packets of needles by John English. The thimble has a wide rim and a hand engraved band. It's in excellent condition, crisp and in round with no holes, dents or other damage. The rim is stamped with the English Sterling hallmarks for Chester 1894 and the mark for Carrington & Co. They were a retailer and their thimbles were made by Charles Horner.

All of the tools are in excellent condition with no rust, chips or other damage. The scissors are 5" long with tight blades, intact points and they cut very well. They have the mark for Joseph Haywood & Co., a prominent Sheffield cutler. The case's velvet has a few rubbed spots at the edges but is in overall excellent condition inside and out. The top has decorative brass medallions and a brass handle. It closes with a flip down brass latch and measures 7 1/2" by 3 7/8".

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