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Sewing Necessaire

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire
Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

$18,850

H 4.25 in W 6.63 in D 4.88 in

Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Nécessaire

By Palais Royal

Located in New Orleans, LA

This captivating Palais Royal sewing nécessaire is crafted of engraved mother of pearl mounted in

Category

Antique 19th Century French Other Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Empire Sewing Box in the Form of a Nightstand, circa 1800.
Empire Sewing Box in the Form of a Nightstand, circa 1800.

Empire Sewing Box in the Form of a Nightstand, circa 1800.

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

function. A rare and sophisticated early 19th century Viennese sewing necessaire of exceptional form and

Category

Antique Early 1800s Austrian Empire Decorative Boxes

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box
19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box

Located in Bradenton, FL

Beautiful 19th Century French Empire ebonized black and Boulle Sewing Scent Necessaire Box with

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood

Antique French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Clam Necessaire Etui Sewing Box
Antique French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Clam Necessaire Etui Sewing Box

Antique French Palais Royal Mother of Pearl Clam Necessaire Etui Sewing Box

By Palais Royal

Located in Northampton, GB

Mother of Pearl and Ormolu From our Sewing collection, we are delighted to offer this Palais

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage
Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

$19,850

H 6 in W 12 in D 9 in

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

Located in New Orleans, LA

women. Containing everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Velvet, Glass, Wood

1839 Fitzmaurice West Victorian Ebony & Brass Inlays Necessaire De Voyage
1839 Fitzmaurice West Victorian Ebony & Brass Inlays Necessaire De Voyage

1839 Fitzmaurice West Victorian Ebony & Brass Inlays Necessaire De Voyage

Located in Germantown, MD

sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires provided a convenient means of transporting the personal

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gold Sewing Box with Wax Case, Scissors, Seal
18th Century Gold Sewing Box with Wax Case, Scissors, Seal

18th Century Gold Sewing Box with Wax Case, Scissors, Seal

Located in Paris, FR

, writing, sewing, and even mathematics. Under the Second Empire, Necessaires used for sewing, embroidery

Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Recent Sales

Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui
Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui

Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui

Located in London, GB

Extraordinary French Antique Palais Royal Sewing Necessaire in Gilt Metal & Rich Iridescent Mother of Pearl

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

Gilt Metal

French 19th century sewing casket and music box
French 19th century sewing casket and music box

French 19th century sewing casket and music box

Unavailable

H 11.03 in W 11.82 in D 9.06 in

French 19th century sewing casket and music box

Located in Paris, FR

A mahogany sewing casket simulating a piano, with a hidden music box. Inside the casket a set of

Category

Antique 19th Century French Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Gold and Agate Sewing Nécessaire
Gold and Agate Sewing Nécessaire

Gold and Agate Sewing Nécessaire

Sold

H 0.63 in W 1.25 in D 3.63 in

Gold and Agate Sewing Nécessaire

Located in New Orleans, LA

A stunning specimen of agate distinguishes this diminutive French sewing nécessaire. The segments

Category

Antique 18th Century French Rococo Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Agate, Gold

Palais Royal Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Box
Palais Royal Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Box

Palais Royal Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Box

Sold

H 2 in W 6.5 in L 2 in

Palais Royal Mother-of-Pearl Sewing Box

By Palais Royal

Located in New Orleans, LA

The delicate artistry of this 19th-century Palais Royal sewing nécessaire matches the intricate

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Other Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Baccarat Crystal Necessaire / Sewing Kit
Baccarat Crystal Necessaire / Sewing Kit

Baccarat Crystal Necessaire / Sewing Kit

Located in New Orleans, LA

This captivating antique French necessaire is crafted of exquisite Baccarat crystal in a charming

Category

Antique 19th Century French Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Charles X Period Sewing and Music Box
Charles X Period Sewing and Music Box

Charles X Period Sewing and Music Box

Sold

H 11.03 in W 11.82 in D 9.06 in

Charles X Period Sewing and Music Box

Located in Paris, FR

. Under the Second Empire, Necessaires used for sewing, embroidery, drawing and painting were popular with

Category

Antique 1820s French Charles X Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Velvet, Wood

19th Century Crystal and Mother-of-Pearl Toiletry Box
19th Century Crystal and Mother-of-Pearl Toiletry Box

19th Century Crystal and Mother-of-Pearl Toiletry Box

Located in Paris, FR

. Under the Second Empire, Necessaires used for sewing, embroidery, drawing, and painting were popular

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Antique French Mother of Pearl Sewing Necessaire Etui Propelling Pencil Case
Antique French Mother of Pearl Sewing Necessaire Etui Propelling Pencil Case

Antique French Mother of Pearl Sewing Necessaire Etui Propelling Pencil Case

Located in Portland, OR

A fine antique French Mother of Pearl sewing necessaire, etui, circa 1840. The hinged fitted case

Category

Antique 1840s French Louis Philippe Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Silver, Steel

Set of Two 19th Century Italian Treen Sewing Necessaires
Set of Two 19th Century Italian Treen Sewing Necessaires

Set of Two 19th Century Italian Treen Sewing Necessaires

Located in Vosselaar, BE

common class due to the Industrial revolution. These particular items were used to store away sewing

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Boxwood

Antique French Lacquer & Inlaid Abalone Sewing Etui Necessaire Scent Bottle Case
Antique French Lacquer & Inlaid Abalone Sewing Etui Necessaire Scent Bottle Case

Antique French Lacquer & Inlaid Abalone Sewing Etui Necessaire Scent Bottle Case

Located in Portland, OR

A fine antique French lacquer & inlaid abalone sewing Etui or Necessaire, circa 1840. The black

Category

Antique 1840s French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Steel

Gold Sewing Box with Chatelaine, Early 19th Century
Gold Sewing Box with Chatelaine, Early 19th Century

Gold Sewing Box with Chatelaine, Early 19th Century

Located in Paris, FR

, Necessaires used for sewing, embroidery, drawing, and painting were popular with young girls as well as with

Category

Antique 1820s French Restauration Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

French Second Empire Case with Porcelain, Flasks and Sewing Kit
French Second Empire Case with Porcelain, Flasks and Sewing Kit

French Second Empire Case with Porcelain, Flasks and Sewing Kit

Located in Paris, FR

definition of Necessaire widened, and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Porcelain, Rosewood

19th Century Blackened Wood Vanity, Sewing or Writing Box with Gilt Implements
19th Century Blackened Wood Vanity, Sewing or Writing Box with Gilt Implements

19th Century Blackened Wood Vanity, Sewing or Writing Box with Gilt Implements

Located in Haarlem, NL

toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires provided a convenient means of

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass, Metal

Mother Of Pearl Necessaire
Mother Of Pearl Necessaire

Mother Of Pearl Necessaire

Sold

H 4 in W 2.5 in D 1.75 in

Mother Of Pearl Necessaire

Located in Northampton, United Kingdom

catch is an engraved fairy. This charming little sewing box / necessaire has a press button catch

Category

Antique 19th Century British Boxes

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1930s French Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak Box, Geometric Design, Excellent
1930s French Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak Box, Geometric Design, Excellent

1930s French Art Deco Hand-Carved Oak Box, Geometric Design, Excellent

Located in Aci Castello, IT

This is a 1930s French Art Deco hand-carved oak box, showcasing a unique blend of craftsmanship and geometric flair characteristic of the Art Deco period. Solid oak wood, noted for i...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Oak

Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jugendstil Arts and Crafts Jewelry Box Casket c. 1905
Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jugendstil Arts and Crafts Jewelry Box Casket c. 1905

Erhard & Sohne Art Nouveau Jugendstil Arts and Crafts Jewelry Box Casket c. 1905

By Erhard & Söhne

Located in London, GB

A beautiful art nouveau casket made by Erhard and Sohne in Germany in c. 1905. The casket is exquisitely executed with foliate detailing, made in the Gothic revival style in both p...

Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box
French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box

French Antique Ormolu and Limoges Enamel Jewellery Box

By Limoges

Located in Newark, England

LIMOGES ENAMEL PANELS From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this French Napoleon III Ormolu and Enamel Jewellery Box. The Jewellery Box of casket form mounted in...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Art Nouveau Lamp, Patinated Bronze and Stained Glass, Tiffany style, 1980's
Art Nouveau Lamp, Patinated Bronze and Stained Glass, Tiffany style, 1980's

Art Nouveau Lamp, Patinated Bronze and Stained Glass, Tiffany style, 1980's

By Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Studios

Located in VÉZELAY, FR

We are delighted to offer this stunning Art Nouveau style salon lamp, a faithful reinterpretation of the "Hanging Head Dragonfly Shade and Mosaic and Turtleback Base" model created b...

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Bronze

Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900
Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900

Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900

By Émile Gallé

Located in Delft, NL

Émile Gallé small Cameo vase, Art Nouveau, ca 1900 Émile Gallé (Nancy, 1846 –1904) was a French glassmaker and furniture designer Émile Gallé 20 cm high footed Cameo vase made in...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Glass

Antique Bronze Box from Belgium Gothic Style
Antique Bronze Box from Belgium Gothic Style

Antique Bronze Box from Belgium Gothic Style

Located in Miami, FL

Gothic Style, very detailed crafted antique bronze box. Marked underneath, made in Belgium. In original good condition. A-444-335

Category

20th Century Belgian Gothic Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th Century Decorative Box - Brass - Gothic Tristan and Isolde Theme
Early 20th Century Decorative Box - Brass - Gothic Tristan and Isolde Theme

Early 20th Century Decorative Box - Brass - Gothic Tristan and Isolde Theme

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful decorative box, made of brass. The box is richly decorated with elegant motifs and representations of the classic story Tristan and Isolde. The box was probably made in B...

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Medieval Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega Decorative Fireplace Mantel
Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega Decorative Fireplace Mantel

Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega Decorative Fireplace Mantel

By Vittorio Valabrega

Located in Waalwijk, NL

Ernesto Valabrega for Studio Vittorio Valabrega, decorative fireplace mantel, lacquered wood, plaster, glass, iron, Italy, 1930s This striking decorative fireplace mantel, presumabl...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Fireplaces and Mantels

Materials

Iron

Tiffany Studios New York "Damascene" Favrile Glass Vase
Tiffany Studios New York "Damascene" Favrile Glass Vase

Tiffany Studios New York "Damascene" Favrile Glass Vase

By Tiffany Studios

Located in New York, NY

This arresting Damascene Favrile Glass Vase bears a swirling pattern of blue and purple iridescence and ochre glass. The vase's pattern is based upon Damascus steel, whereby near eas...

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Glass

Tiffany Studios Geometric Table Lamp
Tiffany Studios Geometric Table Lamp

Tiffany Studios Geometric Table Lamp

$42,000

H 26.5 in Dm 22.3 in

Tiffany Studios Geometric Table Lamp

By Tiffany Studios

Located in Dallas, TX

Tiffany Studios Leaded Glass and Patinated Bronze Geometric Table Lamp, circa 1910. Art nouveau classic wit Art Deco design. Attractive orange peel texture with light gilding and red...

Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace
C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace

C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace

By Henri d'Ainecy Montpezat

Located in London, GB

Portrait of Princess de Joinville riding a Bay Horse Henri d’Aincy, Le Comte Monpezat (French 1817-1859) Painted circa 1837-9 oil on canvas 113 x 92 inches (including frame) 92 x 70 ...

Category

1830s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Dioptase With Plancheite on Calcite
Dioptase With Plancheite on Calcite

Dioptase With Plancheite on Calcite

$3,120Sale Price|20% Off

H 2 in W 3 in D 1.38 in

Dioptase With Plancheite on Calcite

Located in New York, NY

This vibrantly contrasting specimen showcases moderately sized emerald-green Dioptase crystals growing atop a matrix of lustrously crystallized Calcite, accented with rare powder-blu...

Category

2010s Congolese Natural Specimens

Materials

Crystal

Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People
Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People

Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People

$22,984 / set

H 5 in W 9.4 in D 13 in

Wedgwood Porcelain Dinner Service for Twelve People

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Wedgwood porcelain dinnerware with gilt gold design detail service for twelve people with serving pieces. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned. Set include 12 d...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Kuppenheimer Good Clothes
Kuppenheimer Good Clothes

Kuppenheimer Good Clothes

By Joseph Christian Leyendecker

Located in Fort Washington, PA

Medium: Oil on Canvas Dimensions: 28.00" x 21.00" Signature: Unsigned Literature: The Saturday Evening Post, June 14, 1923, illustrated as Kuppenheimer Clothing Company advertisemen...

Category

1920s Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket
Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket

Located in London, GB

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone mounted ebonized wooden casket English, 19th Century Height 41cm, width 72cm, depth 52cm Exceptionally fine and richly adorned, this beau...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu

Antique Ladies Travelling Box, English, Sewing Case, Writing Slope, Victorian
Antique Ladies Travelling Box, English, Sewing Case, Writing Slope, Victorian

Antique Ladies Travelling Box, English, Sewing Case, Writing Slope, Victorian

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is an antique ladies travelling box. An English, rosewood and inlay combination sewing case and writing slope, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1850. Exquisite craf...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

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Sewing Necessaire For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the sewing necessaire you’re looking for. Each sewing necessaire for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and fabric. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer sewing necessaire, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 19th Century. A sewing necessaire made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Empire — is very popular. A well-made sewing necessaire has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Palais Royal are consistently popular.

How Much is a Sewing Necessaire?

Prices for a sewing necessaire can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $257 and can go as high as $78,500, while the average can fetch as much as $15,409.

Finding the Right Boxes for You

From mere trinkets to useful receptacles that serve a distinct purpose, antique boxes as decorative objects have come in many forms over the years. No matter what they’re made of or where they end up in your home, decorative boxes add both style and storage to your space.

The decorative box that is likely most common is the jewelry box. These boxes were originally known as jewel caskets and were in common use in Ancient Egypt, as most Egyptians wore some sort of jewelry. A portable jewelry box, in its original intended use, was integral to keeping your jewelry safe and secure. This accessory has transformed in size, shape and appearance over the years. Initially it was common for a jewelry box to bear intricate ornamentation. Whether they’re mid-century modern works of marble and brass or feature playful Art Deco–style geometric decor, jewelry boxes boast real staying power.

Snuff boxes began to soar in popularity during the 17th century (and were commonplace in European homes by the mid-19th century). The boxes, some hand-painted with landscape scenes, some made from gold, porcelain or stone, contained a small amount of tobacco, which users would sniff, or “snuff,” throughout the day. Some particularly ornamental snuff boxes featured enameled designs or were set with precious gems and were given as gifts or party favors, particularly at the coronation of royalty or other lavish events.

Whether you’re organizing important mail in the foyer or tucking away medications in your bathroom, antique boxes — be they metal tea caddies, sterling-silver decorative boxes or Victorian cigar boxes made of oak (even if you don’t smoke) — are a sophisticated solution to help keep the surfaces in your home clutter-free. And no matter if you’re seeking a decorative box to beautify a desktop or bestow upon a loved one, you are sure to find something you love in the collection of antique and vintage boxes on 1stDibs.