Flea Market Item - Friand Tin Fancies 4

Inside is an original black folding needle case marked “Fabrication Française – Made in France”, still containing an impressive assortment of hand-sewing needles in various sizes. 

Also included is a traditional metal thimble and four vintage reels/tubes of lustrous sewing or embroidery thread in beautiful shades of coral, salmon and soft peach, several retaining their original French paper labels.

The black and gold needle packet is particularly appealing and, together with the wonderfully rich thread colours, gives this collection a distinctly old French mercerie feel. The pieces appear to date broadly from the mid-20th century, around the 1940s–60s, and show the gentle wear and patina expected of working sewing-room tools.