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For internal use only
On Display: House - Franklin Parlor
Etui (Necessaire)
1750-1800
Description
An etui is a container that can take many forms. This late eighteenth-century example is sometimes referred to as an etui-necessaire (accessory case) because it contains the essentials for a sewing or dressing table. The shagreen covered case has a domed lid hinged on one end and a spring button lock on the opposite end. The interior has a metal cover with compartments designed to vertically hold the articles inside. The small articles fitted into variously sized slots include: a memo pad, steel tweezers, scissors, and a folding knife.
Category
Metals
Place of Origin
France; Europe
Materials
- Brass
- Shagreen (equine)
- Skin
- Gold
- Ivory
Museum Object Number
1955.0079.002 A- E
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase
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Complete Details
Object Number
1955.0079.002 A- E
Object Name
Etui (Necessaire)
Category
Metals
Place of Origin
France; Europe
Date
1750-1800
Mark/Signature/Inscription/Label
Type: Mark
Location: Scissors, both finger loop sides
Inscription: a symbol resembling a tailed human figure (possibly a mermaid) in a triangle stamped
Mark/Signature: Yes
Materials
- Brass
- Shagreen (equine)
- Skin
- Gold
- Ivory
Dimensions (inches)
3.7 (H) x 1.8 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
9.4 (H) x 4.5 (W)
Measurement Notes
Measurements are overall for case (A).
B (memo pad): L. 8.3 cm x w. 1.4 cm
C (tweezers/file): L. 7.2 cm x w. 0.5 cm
D (scissors): L. 8.1 cm x w. 1.1 cm
E (folding knife): L. 13.5 cm x w. 1.5 cm