Sewing kit in stingray leather and silver, 18th century

This ‘souvenirs amitiés’ case, which serves as a sewing kit, is made of green stingray leather with a chiselled and openwork silver frame. It dates from the 18th century and originates from France. The case opens by means of a push-button. It is adorned on each side with two oval miniatures, one depicting the portrait of a lady of high standing and the other showing two figures together in a harbour in front of a ship. It contains two needles, an awl, a pair of scissors, a pair of tweezers and a notepad with two sheets made of ivory-coloured material or bone. The set measures 7.8 cm in length, 4.8 cm in width and 2 cm in depth. It shows signs of wear, with a small chip of shagreen on one corner of the lid and two accessories missing.