Antique Guilloche Enameled Sterling Silver Topped Strawberry Emery * Circa 1900

Description

Antique Guilloche Enameled Sterling Silver Topped Strawberry Emery
American * Circa 1900
This little silk emery is in the form of a strawberry and is an extremely rare one. Instead of the usual silver filigree top, this one has a sterling top that has been enameled in a pale rosy lavender shade.
A wavy engine turned guilloche design is engraved in the silver and shows through the translucent enamel
. The rim is marked "Sterling" and the ring on top was to attach it to a chatelaine. It has a silky tassel looped there.
The strawberry is covered with yellow silk brocade with several areas where the muslin emery bag shows through frayed areas of the silk. It measures 1 1/2" long, not counting the tassel.
The cushion is stuffed with emery powder and it's nice and heavy for its size.
The condition of the silver is excellent with no dents or damage and the enamel is perfect. One in this style with the usual silver cap is shown on p. 137
of Gay Ann Rogers' book
An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools.
Emeries were used to sharpen and polish the steel needles of the age. Emery powder is a fine grit and the needles were pushed in and out the cushion several times. It also removed rust.
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