Rare Antique Silver Fish Etui French  * C1870 This wonderful little antique etui is made of silver plated brass and is 3 7/8" long. It is hinged at the bottom and opens to display a tiny set of needlework tools. The original fitted blue velvet interior contains a needlecase, stiletto, thimble, bodkin and scissors. All but the bodkin and scissors blades are solid silver (tested). The needle case has the French boar's head hallmark used for 800 silver beginning in 1838. The thimble has the maker's mark for Jules Lorillon who worked in Paris as a silversmith and thimble maker from 1862-1875. The thimble is in excellent condition, in round with no dents, holes, repairs or other damage. The little scissors have sharp, tight blades and cut beautifully. One of the silver handles has been repaired. Aside from a crack at one side of the opening at the top of the bodkin, the rest of the tools are in perfect condition. The silver plating on the fish is in excellent condition and the entire piece has a soft glow and the original patina. The hinge is strong and original. One eye has a small chip in the enamel, but the case is in otherwise outstanding condition. It has a ring at the mouth to attach it to a chatelaine or ribbon. One that has lost most of its silver plating and enamel eyes is shown on p. 132 of Nerylla Taunton's book Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries.

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