Identifying & Valuing a 5-Piece Gold Sewing Case with Hallmarks

Question
Hi,  I have a 5 piece gold sowing etui which contains a tiny stoppered bottle with an outer cap, don't know what that is for ? The hall marks appear to be of a cockerel on a thread neddle & neddle case but no number in it & it also carries a diamond shape & the number 120. The items are enamelled & encrusted with red stones. The case is fabric coated wood with a capital G handwritten in the base. There is a monogram within a shield on the thimble which looks like SF. The markings are so tiny the detail would be lost in a photo ! I wonder how old it might be Many thanks Pam

Answer
Hello Pam and thank you for your inquiry. I am sure you mean a 5 piece sewing etui ?  It would be very difficult for me to judge the age or maker of this without a hands-on inspection.  You might check for books on sewing collectibles - amazon.com has a book "Sewing Tools And Trinkets: Collector's Identification & Value Guide, Vol. 2". This might help you to find something similar to start you on your research.  If you can get a good photograph of the mark and item, there are online appraisal sites that will work from that for a small fee (10 up)
One of them is "What's It Worth To You".  But you would have to have a good photograph. It sounds like an wonderful item and probably well worth the research. I wish I could help you further and if I find anything on this type of item, I will get back with you.  Good luck !

Sally
jarrettsjade.com