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Antique Georgian etui necessaire with full set of implements. Gilt metal, metal and agate hardstone. Made in England circa 1770.
Measures 3 1/2 inches long.
Classic shaped etui, a container for small personal domestic tools and implements. Wider at the top than the bottom. Made of gorgeous hardstone agate with natural marbling and variations in colour, ranging from mustards and creams through tans, browns and shades of green and bright red. Mounted in gold-colored metal that includes a percentage of real gold. Borders are patterned and beaded, typical of Georgian goldsmithing. Patterns are so fine, they need a magnifying glass to appreciate. The upper section with further adornment in the form of hand engraved waves.
A substantial thumbpiece makes opening the etui easy - just push.
The inside of the case is richly finished in the same gold-metal. When open, the lid is transluscent, the light adding magic and beauty to the whole. Lid attached by secure hinges.
Below this, tightly packed in fitted compartments appropriate for each one, are a number of implements that any wealthy, competent and respectable housewife could need. Shining gold color confirms the status of the woman who owned it.
The implements include:
a needle for darning;
a ruler measured in inches;
a combined cut steel tweezers and file ;
a long-handled small-bowled spoon, which we thought was for snuff, but which we are told was an 'ear wax scoop and toothpick, common in Georgian etuis';
a larger gilt spoon for salt;
a bodkin to hold a needle;
a handle for a knife in gilt;
a steel knife blade that screws into the handle;
a pair of scissors.
It is very rare to find such an item with all of the original pieces.
metal was electronically tested as a mixture of mainly copper with a small amount of gold (8-10%). Some of the pieces have engraved letters, the meaning of which we can guess as relating to the maker.
Considering the age of the etui / necessaire, it is in amazingly good, working condition with no missing pieces. One or two natural fissures in the agate are part of the stone and mentioned for the sake of accuracy. Metal in good shape with some darkening and minor scratches not visible without magnification. Scissors handle parts are unjoined - we believe made this way to facilitate the pieces fitting into the case as there is no sign of damage/break. Please see 'photos and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
This must-have accessory for elite, wealthy Europeans is an early example of the miniature tools used by the rich and royals.
English etuis are more commonly made of less luxurious enamelled metal - the use of a fine hardstone more difficult and expensive to produce.
During the 19th century, the etui was replaced by the necessaire and were often suspended from a chatelaine hung from the waist. Some examples were for specific purposes such as needlework or writing tools. Like the necessaire, this etui holds all of the essential components of a wealthy wife's daily life.
It is extremely rare to find a luxury item of this calibre, especially considering that all of its components are present and all in such good condition.
