A French silver gilt bodkin / ribbon threader c1830.

A French silver gilt bodkin / ribbon threader c1830.An early 19th century bodkin from a French sewing set usually the wooden slab shaped case. It is silver gilt and decorated with a scroll design. The silver mark is just under the eye and is a hare's head (pre 1838). In excellent condition no damage. 5. 5cm long 4mm across at its top tapering to 1mm at its point. Stock no. JW03

5 cm in diameter  ( 1 inch )

It is a stand alone thimble and not part of a combination piece

It has some scratching on the face and as the winding crown is missing I can only assume it is no longer working and may not be repairable

The glass stopper is removable and the gilding mainly complete other than a small rubbed area where it would be held

The SW measure at the top was to see if a sovereign was the correct weight

There is a natural flaw in the pearl on the back (see photo)

caused by finger pressure when opening it but they are shallow

25 inches / 5

The rest of the decoration is made up of tiny nicks made by a blade and filled in red and black

It has some light dings on the plain barrel but no other damage

A Dutch silver tape measure with engraved lines and a printed sage green silk tape

In excellent condition- no needle holes or repairs