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Lady's Companion Needlework Kit

Collection Type

  • Textiles

Date

ca. middle 19th century

GUSN

GUSN-247063

Description

Dark green, embossed and gilded paperboard box, with the name "Lady's Companion" written on the box in gold lettering. Inside the box, there are several compartments lined with green velvet. These compartments contain a thimble; a pair of scissors; a divider card; a needle; and a pick with an ivory handle.
The box also came with a handwritten letter, addressed to "Amelia", from "Cousin Eliza".

Details

Descriptive Terms

needleworking (process)
containers for textiles and needlework
kits (sets)
paper (fiber product)
metal
gilding
embossing
ivory (tooth component)
velvet (fabric weave)
Kit, Needlework

Inscription

"RODGERS & SONS / CUTLERS / to their / MAJESTIES" (printed)
"Amelia" (handwritten)
"Dear Amelia / May I interrupt your / dreams of romance by holding up / to your view real life in one of / its homeliest forms - and turn / your eyes from love to love's preserve, / cheerful industry - Then "may the / heart of your husband safely trust / in you" - forever / Your affectionate / Cousin Eliza / Nov. 26th / 1841" ('real life'; 'preserve'; and forever' are all underlined)
"PLUS HEUREUSE QUE MOI" (Text forms an arc around an embossed image of an envelope)

Maker

Unknown

Dimensions

3 1/8 x 2 1/4 x 1 5/8 (HxWxD) (inches)

Credit Line

Gift of Katharine Richardson

Accession Number

2002.29.22

Date

ca. middle 19th century (The letter is dated November 26, 1841.)

Places

United Kingdom

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