Antique TAHAN French Sewing Tools Etui, 18k Gold and c.1850s Ivory Case, Monogrammed, Complete
And TAHAN, to boot! The top purveyor of luxury goods, Paris, 1800s, the engraved signature "TAHAN r d la Paix" (Paris) engraved on that lock plate tells you this was among the very best of the best in its time. From the Napoleon III era, or slightly before, (c.1850-70) this beautiful old 18k gold sewing set survives well, within the heavy carved ivory etui where each item is perfectly fitted. It's unusual to fine these still with all 5 implements including the slender bodkin, or lace-threading needle. Those are usually lost over time. This set is complete, but I will say that I do think the gold thimble has come from another set. It might be from this one but slight variation hints at it being a married set - just the thimble. All the gold portions are both tested and are marked with the control mark for 18k gold, the French eagle's head, in use after 1838. The marks are so tiny and you really need a loupe to see, but there's also a goldsmith's mark or punch (poinćon) which I just c