FRENCH PALAIS ROYAL MAHOGANY INLAID FIGURAL SPINET MUSICAL SEWING / WORK BOX WITH NEEDLEWORKING TOOLS, (updated 4/14/22) rectangular form with hinged cover, raised on four short oval-form feet, together by association, top of cover with an inlaid area of 1 7/8 x 5 3/4" depicting piano keys, facing with applied brass flower and floral ornamentation, cover interior fitted with a mirror and a green/white chenille border having protective blanket, lift-out tray with deep emerald green velvet lining, box edges having a cream paper covering, tray featuring gold-colored floral embellishments, two circular-form mirrors with matching green/white chenille rim; mother-of-pearl needleworking tools consisting of seven articles, comprising a bodkin, a figural soldier needle case, a pair scissors with figural horse shafts, a spool holder, a tambour and a crochet hook handles, and a thimble, remaining articles include mother-of-pearl tablet and an ear-spoon/toothpick, a colorless cut-glass diamond and fan patterned scent bottle with threaded cap, and a pair of steel scissors. Underside of lift-out tray fitted with a music box, impressed "3279", retains original protective glass and wood covering with green/white chenille edging, in addition the base is fitted with a pair of spectacles with gold-filled frame and impressed "A. COD". Retains box and music box keys, likely original surface with warm color. Second quarter 19th century. 4" H, 7" x 11 3/4" OA.
Literature: Parallels Taunton - Antique Needleworking Tools and Embroideries, p. 50.
Provenance: From the private collection of Brian Penniston, Miller's Tavern, VA.

(Updated 4/14/22) Very good overall condition, losses to applied brass ornamentation, some scattered minor losses to the case, and with areas of expected usage wear, replaced legs and associated repairs to each underside corner; tools with imperfections and losses including a beak to ear-spoon/toothpick and spool holder , tablet lacking Palais Royal inlaid medallion, perfume lacking stopper and tambour/crochet hooks, one scissor handle detached, Music box currently in working condition (see Catalogue Guarantee).