A wonderful and early set, this one is beautifully crafted and while my photographer wasn't able to get a clear image of the mark, it is the one used between 1819-1838, so we know it's old! The set's carved wood case or "etui" (a form-fitting small case made for an item or set) is slender and fine. These finest older ones are caved out to form the fittings for the implements and not lined in silk which is more forgiving. It is probably ebony, since the Napoleonic Empire made such exotic hardwoods available to the artisans of the era and we do see it often. Also often woods that are "ebonized" or simply stained to appear to be ebony. I am unsure how to determine it on this one.

Very good to excellent condition for age and type, noting the missing thimble. The sewing items are spectacular, heavier gauge than most. Also, the old steel blades remain very sharp and for the most part unstained by time, as does the stiletto's working end. The set misses its original thimble. I have some spares but none fit this space and allow the case to close. I think it would have been a small or dainty early thimble size.

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