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Sewing Necessaire

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

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 rich doré bronze.

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

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

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 bronze appliquès and paw feet.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Empire Boxes

Materials

Wood

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage
Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

Victorian Nécessaire de Voyage

Located in New Orleans, LA

Containing everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires provided a convenient means of transporting the personal necessities of everyday life.

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

Containing everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires provided a convenient means of transporting the personal necessities of everyday life.

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

Gradually the definition of Necessaire widened, and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing, and even mathematics.

Category

Antique 1780s French Louis XVI Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Gold

Recent Sales

Rare Antique George IV Lady’s Sewing Necessaire with Original Case, est. 1825
Rare Antique George IV Lady’s Sewing Necessaire with Original Case, est. 1825

Rare Antique George IV Lady’s Sewing Necessaire with Original Case, est. 1825

Located in London, GB

Rare Antique George IV Lady’s Solid Silver Sewing Necessaire with Original Case, est. 1825 A truly rare piece of life in the early 1800s blind-rolled in the classical taste with Mo...

Category

Antique 1820s British George IV Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

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

This exquisite Palais Royale sewing necessaire is a wonderful collector's piece and a rare find with its outer display case.

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

Gradually the definition of necessaire became wider : a necessaire eventually encompassed in the same wood casket all the objects used for the toilet, for lunch, for writing, for sew...

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 of beautiful hard stone are perfectly complemented by Rococo gold accents, making it...

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 work for which it was made.

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 coquille shape.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

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 Royal Necessaire Etui.

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

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

Gradually the definition of Necessaire widened and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing, and even mathematics.

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

Gradually the definition of Necessaire widened, and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing, and even mathematics.

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 with geometric mother of pearl & abalone decoration, the case has an inset silver t...

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

Small turned and decorated boxes like these are referred to as part of treen (wooden utilatary objects with fine workmanship). The fashion of woodturning started with the 16th centur...

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 lacquer case is very finely inlaid with an oval garland of abalone roses, and an inlai...

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

Gradually the definition of Necessaire widened, and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing, and even mathematics.

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

Gradually the definition of Necessaire widened, and eventually included all tools used for hygiene, lunch, writing, sewing, and even mathematics.

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

Containing everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments, nécessaires provided a convenient means of transporting the personal necessities of everyday life...

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

This charming little sewing box / necessaire has a press button catch, on opening the its interior is lined in red silk and comes complete with a crown embossed superior needle box f...

Category

Antique 19th Century British Boxes

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Wonderful French Ormolu Purple Enamel Gilt Bronze Bow Picture Frame Miniature
Wonderful French Ormolu Purple Enamel Gilt Bronze Bow Picture Frame Miniature

Wonderful French Ormolu Purple Enamel Gilt Bronze Bow Picture Frame Miniature

Located in Roslyn, NY

A wonderful and rare French ormolu bronze and purple enamel picture frame with a miniature on the top with bows and tassels. Frame: 10" W X 15" H Picture:7" W X 9&q...

Category

Vintage 1930s French Belle Époque Picture Frames

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Tiffany Studios Bronze and Favrile Table Lamp
Tiffany Studios Bronze and Favrile Table Lamp

Tiffany Studios Bronze and Favrile Table Lamp

By Tiffany Studios, Louis Comfort Tiffany

Located in Dallas, TX

Tiffany Studios Bronze and favrile Desk lamp Damascene iridescent glass with greens, blues, goals and silver. Fine reticulated and patinated bronze base. Original favrile pearl heat...

Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze

FRENCH 18th Century Perfumed Scents Necessaire Box In 18Kt Yellow Gold & Carving
FRENCH 18th Century Perfumed Scents Necessaire Box In 18Kt Yellow Gold & Carving

FRENCH 18th Century Perfumed Scents Necessaire Box In 18Kt Yellow Gold & Carving

Located in Miami, FL

French perfumed scents necessaire from the 18th century. This is a fantastic and very rare 18th century necessaire box for perfumed scents, created in the kingdom of France during t...

Category

Antique 1750s French Baroque Decorative Boxes

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold

Purple / Blue Fluorite Mineral Specimen – Xiayang Town, China
Purple / Blue Fluorite Mineral Specimen – Xiayang Town, China

Purple / Blue Fluorite Mineral Specimen – Xiayang Town, China

Located in Edison, NJ

This breathtaking specimen comes from a distinctive group of fluorites that have affectionately been nicknamed, “tanzanite fluorite” for their gemlike aesthetics and color-shifting a...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone, Multi-gemstone

Snails & Shell Vase Attributed to Mihaly Nagy for Zsolnay
Snails & Shell Vase Attributed to Mihaly Nagy for Zsolnay

Snails & Shell Vase Attributed to Mihaly Nagy for Zsolnay

By Zsolnay, Mihály Kapás Nagy

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Hungarian Art Nouveau Vases

Materials

Earthenware

Large Precious Stone and Silver-Gilt Flower Model by Asprey
Large Precious Stone and Silver-Gilt Flower Model by Asprey

Large Precious Stone and Silver-Gilt Flower Model by Asprey

By Asprey & Garrard Limited

Located in London, GB

A large precious stone and silver-gilt flower model by Asprey. English, 20th century. Measures: 47cm high x 14cm wide x 12 cm depth. Crafted in fine Faberge style, this piece is...

Category

20th Century English Modern Models and Miniatures

Materials

Rock Crystal, Gold Plate, Silver

Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas
Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas

Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas

$17,726Sale Price|20% Off

H 28.75 in W 15.75 in D 8.67 in

Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Masterfully carved Italian Vanitas / Memento Mori bust in solid marble from late 19th century. White Carrara marble skull combined with masterfully carved hood & robes all from...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Italian Leather Jewelry Box
Italian Leather Jewelry Box

Italian Leather Jewelry Box

$985

H 4 in W 11.75 in D 9.38 in

Italian Leather Jewelry Box

Located in New York, NY

An Italian blue and gold leather jewelry box with removable tray and key/lock, circa mid-20th century, Italy. Leather box is blue leather with decorative edge, gold embossed tooling ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.
19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.

19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.

$11,567

H 22.84 in W 16.54 in D 7.88 in

19th Century Meissen clock depicting the four seasons.

By Meissen Porcelain

Located in Brighton, Sussex

A fine quality late 19th Century German, Meissen porcelain clock on stand, having wonderful bold traditional colours, the figures representing the four seasons. The clock striking on...

Category

Antique 19th Century German Mantel Clocks

Materials

Porcelain

Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany
Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany

Jugendstil Brass Jewelry Casket with Velvet Lining by Erhard & Söhne, Germany

By Erhard & Söhne

Located in North Miami, FL

1900s Jugendstil golden and silver brass jewelry casket with blue velvet-lined interior by Erhard & Söhne, Germany By: Erhard & Söhne Material: brass, copper, metal, velvet, zinc Te...

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Jugendstil Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc

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

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

Salvador Dali Art Recipe Book, Les Diners de Gala, 1971 France, First Edition
Salvador Dali Art Recipe Book, Les Diners de Gala, 1971 France, First Edition

Salvador Dali Art Recipe Book, Les Diners de Gala, 1971 France, First Edition

Located in New York, NY

A rare, collectable, first edition, Salvador Dali art and recipe cookbook, 'Les Diners de Gala', 1971, Paris, France. (Copy/text is in English language.) A great piece to add to a co...

Category

20th Century French Books

Materials

Paper

Purple Museum Quality Amethyst Centerpiece Mineral Masterpiece Decorative Object
Purple Museum Quality Amethyst Centerpiece Mineral Masterpiece Decorative Object

Purple Museum Quality Amethyst Centerpiece Mineral Masterpiece Decorative Object

Located in London, GB

A very large, one of a kind epimorph amethyst. This piece is a visual spectacle with the natural sculptural formations of amethyst in a different variety of purple tones. Also disp...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Uruguayan Organic Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Agate, Amethyst, Quartz

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

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

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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.