A lovely quality William IV or early Victorian English silver gilt novelty needlebook, modelled in the form of a book, the exterior is exquisitely engraved with fine angled scrollwork and cypher below an earl's coronet, the spine of the book decorated with flowerheads, with dual hinged front and back covers, opening to reveal a velvet leaf insert designed to take the needles.
 
The piece is apparently unmarked and possibly a special commission direct from the goldsmith by the original owner, whose cypher appears on the front and back of the piece.
 
Judging by the quality of construction and fineness of decoration, we believe this piece could well be by Charles Rawlings & William Summers, who were noted and well-regarded goldsmiths in London during the middle years of the nineteenth century. Rawlings and Summers are also known to have made boxes in the form of books.
 
English, c.1835.
 
Dimensions:
Length: 6.1cm
Width: 4cm
Height: 0.7cm
Weight: 36.7 grams, all-in
 
Condition:
Excellent antique condition. The gilding is in fine order. The definition of the decoration is excellent. The hinges are all in good order. The felt material insert is likely a replacement.