Expert: Irene Schwall - 4/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I bought a small metal sewing box at a garage sale in the late 1970's when I was little.  I'm now looking to find it an appreciative home so it no longer sits in a dark box but don't know what age to place on it when I describe it.  This round metal sewing box is 4 1/4 " diameter, 1 3/4 " height outside edge raising in the center to about 2".  The bottom appears to be smooth brass (?) and the lid is covered with silver (over brass? the silver is worn off in places).  The lid has a variation of lines as decoration and the center has a locket-style holder with two photos (black and white, appear to be manufacturer's pictures a male and female model perhaps from 30's/40's styled much after the photos of movie stars (could be movie stars but I don't think I recognize them).  The inside contains an empty black tissue paper packet for needles (Sharps 3/9 High Grade Flower Parrot), a metal needle threader,an empty spot for a small pair of scissors, and other empty spot.  There are 6 J&P Coats wooden thread spools (white labels with red & blue text on one side, blue & gold on the opposite). Two Clark's O.N.T. wooden thread spools and one additional wooden thread spool (same size J & P Coats) without its labels.  A thimble.  There is a pin cushion in the center, the sponge center has deteriorated.  There is a dark red velvet lining top and bottom with a ribbed white satin (?) band around the inside (sides) of the bottom.  

I'm not a collector but would love to make the day of someone who is.

Thank you for any light you can shed on this item.

Regards,
Dawn McAuley

ANSWER: Hello Dawn,
Thank you for your query.
Are you able to send me a photograph or two which will in turn enable me to best evaluate your item?
Thank you.
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello,

I sent three pictures to xtahoeviews@yahoo.com shortly after posting this.  Is this the correct email for you?

Dawn

Answer
Hello Dawn,
I have just received the pictures, thank you.
I've seen a lot of sewing boxes in my time but never this particular one.  It is quite unique.
I do not recognize the photos and I believe they are film stars - whether or not they have been added to the box by someone I cannot say.  I suspect that this box was sold with an empty locket for the buyer to place their own treasured photos in.
Without actually holding the case in my hands it is difficult for me to say what metal it might be. If it is silver it will be stamped with Sterling Silver or .925 somewhere on the box.  I suspect it is a gilded metal (probably brass) and not silver however.
It appears that the fittings might be original to the case.  What is missing in the slot at the top would be a pair of metal scissors and not necessarily sterling silver. It would have had a thimble (in box), needle packet(s), thread (J.P. Coats spools count), a threader (which you have),most likely a punch to start button holes (missing from top), pins and needles on a felt patch (missing).
I have seen similar boxes but not this specific one but would date it to the 1900's. Provenance is USA.
Your best bet at selling it would be on eBay and it should fetch somewhere in the neighborhood of $45.  More if you can identify those film stars!
Hope this helps.
Irene