Thimble Holders

The egg is a very decorative symbol and has been often used to hold sewing tools or a full set of sewing implements

To teach little girls the art of needlework a great number of little or mini sewing tools have been been produced.

But they are not "toys" in the world of needlework tools! Here the word toy means gifts, little collectibles or "objets de vitrine". It comes from the eighteenth century when Christopher Pinchbeck, clock and watchmaker invented the word for his fashionable gifts.

Toys are not items for children to play with.  

High pink opaline egg with gilt metal fittings, mounted on three gilt brass leaves on an alabaster base comprising silver implements: thimble, scissors, stiletto, and a crystal bottle with silver top.

Height 20.5 cm, width 10.5 cm.

France. Middle of the 19th century.

Bone miniature sewing table.

Sawn out in lid «Rigi».

Possibly from South Germany / Austria circa 1870/1890.