Antique American Sterling Silver Thimble FK 9

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1900: item #650629
941

This is a very old - I think it is before 1900 - American Sterling thimble with no maker's mark. It is monogrammed FK and size 9. The pattern is a pleasing geometric design. CONDITION: Excellent No bends, holes, or restoration.

Art Nouveau Lady Sterling Silver Pin Cushion

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1920: item #650625
834b

This is a wonderful very small - it is 2" long- pincushion with 2 red velvet cushions joined by an American sterling band with 2 chased art nouveau images of a lady. The mark is STERLING with no maker's mark that I can see. I think the cushion fabric is original because it shows wear. CONDITION: Excellent. No chips, cracks, or restoration. The sterling needs a cleaning.

Silver Filigree Toy Thimble Tape Scent Bottle English

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1800: item #645890
1c

This is a very rare unmarked sterling silver filigree toy- a tape measure, scent bottle and a long thimble top. These are usually 18th century English. The condition is remarkable. There is no damage to the silver or the scent bottle. The only flaw is the tape which starts at 2" instead of the beginning. This is a beautiful sewing item.

Antique Gold Thimble American size 8 Chased Rim E

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1900: item #644646
145b

This is a very pretty 19th Century American gold thimble with an engraved E as the initial of the original owner. It has a chased scroll rim. It is marked 8 in the apex. I think there is a worn maker's mark there which I cannot read. It is 3/4" tall and 5/8" diameter. It is in good used condition. There are no holes or bends, but there are light surface scratches.

Antique Gold Thimble Engraved Leaves

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1900: item #644642
250c

This is a beautiful gold thimble with a wide border of engraved leaves. I believe it is American, but there is not a clue as to maker or size. There is no engraved monogram. It is 1 15/16" tall and 5/8" diameter. The condition is excellent used. There are no holes or breaks but there are some tiny light scratches.

18th c. sewing pin ball in superb condition.

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1800: item #643962
LFTR 268

This is an extraordinarily fine, English, silk knitted pin ball. One side has two sets of initials (I assume the giver and the receiver), the date-1796-, two crowns and 4 triangular decorative sections. The colors are creamy gold on light brown.The other side has the following phrase,"LET NOT ABSENCE BANISH LOVE" and some small decorative shapes. The original hanging cord is still intact. It is pretty close to a perfect example of a pin ball - probably a love token. The phrase is wonderful and... Click for details

Antique Ivory Sewing C Clamp Pin Cushion

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1837 VR: item #640868
ivmi

This is a wonderful ivory sewing or hemming clamp with a yellow pincushion. The carving is unusual and the pin cushion fabric is original. It is 6" long. The book "An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools" by Gay Ann Rogers shows similar clamps in plate 145.

There is a line (crack) on one side of the support for the pin cushion. The pin cushion fabric shows expected wear. These are the only two problems with this wo... Click for details

Antique Iron Sewing Bird American

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1900: item #634310
684a

This is an antique iron sewing bird in a very simple, stylized shape. It dates circa 1850. It is patinated (rusty). The spring works but is stiff. It is a sharp looking item! It is 5" long. Notice the heart shape screw holder.

Antique Ormolu Sewing Clamp Mirror Pin Cushion

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1800: item #634073
567c

This is a wonderful antique sewing clamp. The twisted, molded ormolu holds a mirror and a red velvet pincushion. This was used to clamp the fabric to the table and leave both hands free for hemming linens. The ormolu has a shiny and a crusted finish. Notice the heart shape screw turn. It is about 5" long and in excellent condition. The pincushion fabric has probably been replaced. The mirror shows its age.

Antique Winding Clamp Sewing Bird Ivory Cage

Antiques: Instruments and Implements: Sewing Pre 1800: item #634070
141c

This is a wonderful winding clamp made of ivory. These were used late 18th century to wind hanks of yarn or threads into balls. It was also used to hold the thread and clamp the fabric to the table, leaving both hands free to hem. This is in used condition. I have shown a chip on the top and a line on one side of the clamp. It does not go through to the other side. These flaws are not unsightly and do not detract from the beaut of the clamp. The clamp is about 5 1/2" long. This is a real trea... Click for details