Historical information

Indicative of era of 19th century when sewing needles began to be sold in paper wrappers to prevent rusting and these needleboxes made to contain them. Mother of pearl items demonstration of social status.
Needlepacket by Hardwidge - needlemaker to the late Queen Charlotte dates it as after 1818. Queen Charlotte had been very interested in needlework

Significance

Evolution of marketing of sewing needles showing era when began to be sold in paper wrappers and needlebox suitable shape for their storage.
Needles made after death of Queen Charlotte in 1818.

Physical description

Mother of Pearl knife box shaped needlebox with sloping upper lid. Contents needle packets: two yellow needle envelopes with gold printing and one black needle packet with needles inside.

Inscriptions & markings

"Needles" on lid (navy blue). Front faces have two navy blue lines outlining the shape of those faces.
Yellow Needle packets: H. Milward & Sons. Registered Needle Envelope Furnished with Selected Needles Licensed by Patentees. Verso: Registered March 16 1852, Sizes 8 & 9). Under flap: Washford Mills, Redditch. Engalnd
Black packet label: Queens needles, 9, made by J Hardwidge, Needlemaker to Her Late Majesty Queen Charlotte. Long Lane, Southwark, Drilled Eyes.