Accession Number

2008.005.001.001a-b

Alternate Name

etui

Description

One green leather etui in the form of a book with gilded decoration and lettering reading "Lady's Companion". Holds silver needlework tools including a thimble, embroidery scissors, stiletto, a sterling silver pencil, a silver pocket knife, a needle case, a notecard, and a New Testament (1843). Inside the lid is a label for Robinson & Thompson Jewelers Watch and Clock Makers Working Cutlers etc. Sheffield House Saint John N.B.

Narrative

An etui is a small, decorative box for sewing and other useful implements, usually made of good quality and often expensive materials. The contents of Victorian etuis were often made of silver or silver-gilt and contained such items as buttonhooks, stilettos, bodkins, penknives, and pencils. Lady's companions, like this, were a style of etui that took the form of a box that opens from the top.

History of Use

The donor was a collector of needlework items and bequeathed this to Craigdarroch as part of a large gift of sewing tools.

Date

1843 – circa 1850

Dimensions

9.9 x 6.1 cm

Material

Leather; Metal, silver

Inscription

Lady's Companion; Jewellers Watch and Clock Makers Working Cutlers etc; Sheffield House

Country of Origin

Canada