A Tartan ware thread waxer. McPherson. c1860

A Tartan ware thread waxer. McPherson. c1860A Tartan Ware sewing accessory containing beeswax used to smooth thread in the period before mercerization. It is titled McPherson in the usual gold on black and has decorative gold detailing on the sides. In excellent condition no loss of pattern. 3 x 2 cm Stock no. LR32

The edge of the case is tooled in gold

There is no damage to the glass

The inner scene 3 inches (7cm)

All the pastes are present

The photograph of the inside shows the impressions of the dimpling but there are no holes

An old dip pen with gilt metal mounts and a handle made of a dense black stone-possibly onyx

The calendar works by turning the top section to align with the correct day of the week

one playing a mandolin whereas the panel on the handle depicts a single winged cherub

There are some markings on the inside of the blades but I have been unable to make them out clearly possibly Cizo Fein

There are two printed labels -one reads 'Trifles Shew Respect' and the other 'Never Forget Me'

The hinge is red velvet and it has a pencil

) with a rope twist design inlaid around it