VICTORIAN SEWING KIT WITH HAND-PAINTED VIEW OF CROMER TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER IN AYLSHAM
A rare Victorian sewing kit contained in a papier-mache box featuring a 19th century view of Cromer is to go under the hammer at an auction in Aylsham at the end of the month.
The mid-Victorian ‘necessaire’ (small ornamental case) was made by Jennens & Betteridge, a highly regarded London firm which made similar items for King George III and the Prince of Wales. Its lid is decorated with a hand-painted view of Cromer after an engraving by Thomas Creswick (1811-1889), a well-known English landscape artist.
Inside are five items including a needle case, scissors, perfume bottle piercer, needle and thimble.
The unusual item will go under the hammer as part of Keys Auctioneers and Valuers’ three day Fine Sale at its Aylsham salerooms on Thursday 28th November, with a pre-sale estimate of £300-£400
“This is a particularly fine example of a table-top sewing kit, with a very fine hand-painted lid with a view of Victorian Cromer,” said David Broom, managing director at Keys. “It is an item which will attract interest from collectors all over the country, but it is especially pleasing to be selling something with a local connection.”
Key’s final three day Fine Sale features western and oriental ceramics, glass, silver, jewellery, clocks and watches, furniture, militaria, wines and spirits and pictures. The sale takes place on Wednesday 27th November, Thursday 28th November and Friday 29th November at Keys’ Aylsham salerooms. A full catalogue is available at www.keysauctions.co.uk.