A very lovely late Victorian rosewood sewing box with fitted compartments and period contents c1895. Quality sewing box of rectangular form with gorgeous rosewood veneers which retain the original finish. Inlaid mother-of-pearl escutcheon and inlaid mother-of-pearl plaque to top inscribed “A. Shaw”. The box opens to reveal a lift out tray with various compartments as well as two needle cushions. Compartments include: 7 containing cotton reels with carved mother of pearl and ox bone ends (one incomplete), 6 containing shaped mother-of-pearl thread winders (two being period replacements), 2 with pull-out needle books, 2 compartments with lids with mother-of-pearl button handles containing a large number of needles, 1 long compartment with lid containing long needles/pins, 1 compartment fitted to hold two engraved thimbles plus reels for waxing threads, etc (two with damage), and central lidded compartment with various sewing tools fitted to the lid and containing a large number of buttons. Smaller thimble inscribed “Presented to A Shaw 5th Nov 1872”. Lids and cushions covered in red satin – matching the fold-out section fitted to underside of the lid (containing a later correspondence plus small embroidery pieces). Lower compartment holding several period accessories including three needle wallets, scissors, button-hole scissors, packs of dress pins and more. This box is with its original contents as acquired - including a silver 3 penny piece dated 1912! Working original lock and key. The box measures 30.5 cm in width, 21.5 cm in depth and 12.5 cm in height.