This is a carved ivory Lace Pricker with clouté decoration, almost certainly European in origin (most probably French), & dating to the early part of the 19th Century, around 1800 - 1810.

The pricker is cylindrical in form & unscrews at one end so that the point (not present) can be reversed and screwed into the handle for protection. Although the point is missing, this is simply a steel pin which could be easily replaced.

The pricker has been intricately carved with a decorative finial & 'ear of corn' design at one end, a fluted body, & a floral & 'tulip' design at the other end. The pricker has then been studded with small iron 'nails' (clouté work).

Although clouté work is a rare form of decoration on needlework tools, it is extremely unusual to find this work on such a small piece (due to the nature of the decoration).

Condition is Excellent with no damage to the case or decoration. Both screw threads are without damage & operate smoothly & although the steel 'point' is missing, it is easily replaced and it's absence does not detract in any way.

The pricker measures approx 2 3/8" or 6cm in length.