Expert: Irene Schwall - 5/15/2010

Question
I have stumbled across an old sewing box made of tortoise shell.  All the tools are intact and are silver with a floral design.  The "bucket" which I presume is a pin cushion is a deep purple color.  The thimble, however, does have inner markings of a shield with the letter S that I presume to be that of Sheffield. I almost think the thimble may be a replacement as it doesnt have the floral design. ??  I do not see markings on any of the other pieces although they may indeed have been overlooked. The other tools include: a thread waxer, a tape measure, scissors, a needle, a stiletto, and a mechanical pencil ? with perhaps a wax seal on the other end.  Any insight you can offer as far as age, maker, and value would be much appreciated.  I will email photos from my hotmail acct. to the listed yahoo address. I look forward to your response!  Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hello K.S.
Thank you for your detailed description and for including photographs with your query - this is most helpful.
What you have is a fitted needlework box and the provenance is England, early 19th century.  The box is indeed tortoise shell and for the most part the tools are intact and original to the box - they are sterling silver. The thimble is not the original one that came in the box. It would have had a thimble made in England and not one marked in the inside top with an S in a shield which is for Simons Bros. of Philadelphia, USA. The thimble is a replacement and the bodkin also appears to be a replacement. The pencils rarely had the exact same pattern as the tools and the majority of these were made by Mordan & Co.
Estimated value: Please give me a detailed condition report of each individual tool. For instance, is the tape measure complete and does the tape pull and retract with ease. Do the scissors have even points etc. Also what is the overall condition of the tortoiseshell - any cracks?
Can you please check the tools again using a jewelers loupe.  I'm looking for the initials 'IT' - if you spot these, then your set was made by Joseph Taylor. Look under the handle of the basket or within the scrolling decoration of the other tools.  Sometimes these tools are not marked and if this is the case then it is impossible to say who made the set.
Regards,
Irene