Accession Number

2008.005.011.001

Alternate Name

case; etui

Description

A red leather box with gold trim and a brass clasp. Lined in red satin with red velvet at the centre, beneath the implements. A velvet loop holds each implement in place. The top is made up of two hinged lids. which fold open to make a stand. Underneath there is the label PATENT 6444 99. (The third 4 is smaller and the 99 is underlined). Holds 2 stilettos,1 buttonhook, 2 crochet hooks,1 screw punch and a silver thimble.

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.

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

circa 1880

Dimensions

18.5 x 12 x 2 cm

Material

Leather; Fabric, silk, satin; Metal, brass; Fabric, silk, velvet

Patent Number

6444 99