Antique French Vermeil Sewing Etui by Alphonse Forgelot (c. 1860) – 100% Complete 5-Tool Set

A Magnificent Napoleon III Masterpiece in Solid Silver & 18k Gold Wash

Offered here is an investment-grade, museum-quality 5-piece antique French sewing etui dating from the Napoleon III era (circa 1850–1870). This set is 100% complete with all original matching tools, featuring an exquisite, deeply chased pattern of classical stars.

Verified Parisian Silversmith Hallmarks

This set is genuine French Vermeil (solid high-grade .800 silver heavily washed in 18k gold). Crucially, official 19th-century French hallmarks have been verified on ALL 5 individual matching pieces. This standard of comprehensive stamping was reserved only for elite luxury goods of the era:

• The Maker's Mark: The highly collectible diamond-shaped punch (poinçon de maître) for the famous Parisian silversmith Alphonse Forgelot (AF), featuring his signature chamois symbol.

• The Guarantee Mark: The official French Boar's Head (tête de sanglier) assay stamp, certifying solid silver quality from the Paris office. This includes a beautifully crisp strike on the thimble rim, an authentic historical double-strike assay mark on the needle case inner collar, and individual matching stamps found across the scissors, awl, and bodkin.

Provenance & History

This exceptional set comes with a beautiful personal history. It was hand-purchased by my mother directly in Paris, France, in 2002, serving as a premier highlight of her lifelong, extensive antique sewing collection.

The Tools (100% Complete & Original 5-Piece Set)

Unlike most antique etuis on the market which are missing components, this set retains every single one of its five original, matching star-chased tools—and includes an exciting bonus discovery:

• The Scissors: Perfectly functional with tight, smooth movement, featuring chased handles, sharp original steel blades, and matching hallmark.

• The Needle Case: Beautifully chased with stars on both sides. Opens and closes with a smooth, secure fit. Holds its official double-strike assay mark on the collar and includes an original, period-correct antique steel sewing needle preserved inside the cylinder.

• The Thimble: Perfectly round, free of holes, featuring a blank monogram shield framed by a detailed border. Holds its crisp, original French Boar's Head hallmark stamp visible on the rim.

• The Bodkin (Ribbon Needle): The highly elusive fifth tool, beautifully flat, matching the star motif perfectly, and stamped with its original hallmark.

• The Awl / Sewing Punch: Beautifully chased handle holding its matching hallmark and a sturdy original steel piercing blade.

The Presentation Case

The tools are securely housed in their original, carved cream bovine bone case. The material is in flawless antique condition, showing a beautiful, rich natural grain and a warm, elegant aged patina with absolutely no cracks or chips. The original miniature hinge and front clasp are fully intact, function perfectly, and snap shut tightly.

Dimensions

• Length: 3-3/8"

• Width: 2"

Condition Report

Excellent antique condition. The gold vermeil finish remains remarkably bright and lustrous, showing only the minor, honest surface highlights consistent with a mid-19th-century luxury heirloom. The case is superb. Please review the high-resolution photographs to appreciate the exquisite detail of the engravings and hallmarks.