The front cover of this unusual autograph book is covered with a printed plastic tartan background overlaid with a lace-edged scene of a cherub and fairy. The back cover is covered in a heavyweight floral printed velvet. The book is inscribed "From Mamma to Allie, January 26, 1905," who turns out to be Alfred. Various messages follow on the peach, off-white and light green pages, some in excellent handwriting but with no illustrations. On the last two pages there is a list of male ...click for details
A 7-1/4 inch long rule covered in the MacLean tartan and made in Scotland circa 1870. The item is in excellent condition but is missing the usual black and gold label that names the tartan. However, that name has been verified through research. The colors are bright and crisp and there are no nicks or damage to the ebonized wood knob ends. The rule would have been part of a desk set, rolled over blotter paper that was used to absorb excess liquid ink.
This is a mint condition napkin (or serviette) ring covered in paper printed with the MacKenzie tartan, with a mauve pink interior. One of the harder to find tartans, MacKenzie is predominantly blue and green. The ring measures just under 2 inches in diameter and 3/4 inches in height.
The thread holder is a smaller version of the tape holder, an item of Mauchline ware made in Scotland circa 1860. This container is covered in paper printed with the Prince Charlie tartan and is in excellent condition. It comes with an older spool of thread that fits perfectly and shows how it was used. Tartan ware sewing implements were coveted by ladies to show off to their friends as they sewed in company. Prince Charlie was an icon to many Scots, having failed to liberate their country f ...click for details
The Robertson tartan was used on this small, traveling size go-to-bed vesta (matches) case made in Scotland circa 1860. Mauchline items decorated with Robertson do not come on the market often, so despite normal signs of wear this is a very desirable item. Most of the wear is to the printed tartan paper near the bone finial at the top. The bottom of the go-to-bed is black emery and in good condition. Measurements are 2-1/8 inches in height and 1-1/4 inches in width.
A diminutive vesta case and go-to-bed in the Prince Charlie tartan, made in Scotland circa 1860. The case would have held matches, known as vestas, that would have been struck on the emery surface on the bottom of the case and used to light a piece of straw that would provide enough light for the bearer to reach her bed and light another candle. The size - 2-1/4 inches tall and 1-1/4 inches wide - suggests this is a pocket or travel implement. It is in excellent condition with negligible sign ...click for details
Completely intact and completely original, including its tiny pencil with bone finial, this notebook would fit in the pocket of a lady, circa 1860, who might jot down important thoughts or lines of verse. However it was never used, and all the gilt edged pages are in place and unmarked. Made in Scotland, covered with the McPherson tartan, measuring 2-5/8 by 1-3/4 inches, and in excellent condition.
A charming two-part thimble case in the McPherson tartan, which is stamped in gold on the side. Made in Scotland circa 1860, the seams of the printed paper covering are invisible, and the plaid design is well placed on the top of the lid. Both top and bottom are covered in tartan and the inside is lined with green velvet material. The case measures 1-1/4 inches in height and one inch in diameter, and is in very good condition with no chips, cracks, splits, or repairs, but with slight damage t ...click for details
Completely original, with the name of the tartan,"Prince Charlie", printed in gold. The needle case measures about 3-1/4 inches in length and was made in Scotland circa 1860. It is in excellent condition, with no chips, cracks, tears of the printed paper covering, repairs or other damage.
A two-part wooden case made in Scotland circa 1870 on which the fern decoration was applied in shades of green and red. The remains of the manufacturer's label can be seen on the bottom. The case measures 3-1/4 inches in height and 1-3/8 inches in diameter, and is in excellent condition with no chips, cracks, repairs or other damage.
