Rosewood, gold and silver veneer veneer box, catering era

A precious rectangular sewing box veneered in rosewood, known as "leaf" veneer. When opened, it reveals a mirror with braid trim on the reverse of the lid. This charming sewing kit, lined with moiré and pink velvet, comprises two small square porcelain bottles with openwork polychrome bindweed motifs, marked "L" on the underside; a removable rectangular cushion holding two finely chased, gilt thread spools with a central chased cartouche-shaped handle surmounted by a button; and a central tray on a raised base containing five sewing items: a thimble and a needle case in gold, both hallmarked "BL" (8g) and finely chased, a silver cord loop, a gold-mounted awl, and a pair of small embroidery scissors. The various tools are engraved with the maker's mark of VD (1819-1838). This early 19th-century sewing box closes with a small key. Circa 1830

Condition report: Good condition. The mirror's silvering has some scratches and a small chip at the tip of a chisel. The key is original.