Misc. Sewing Needlework Tools
Most of the sewing related antiques you will find on this and our other Sewing Accessories pages originated from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, and were part two large and diverse antique sewing collections we are handling on consignment. This is the first time most of these pieces have been out on the market in many years.
6
Bone Antique Crochet Hooks
The word "crochet" comes from the French word for "little hook".
During the 19th and early 20th century these little hooks were made in assorted
sizes and out of various materials. Here are six different antique crochet
hooks made of bone, each showing distinctive decoration. Take special note
of the scrimshaw carved crochet hook on the right---these are extremely
difficult to find and are often associated with early New England sailor
carvings.
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Very Good-Excellent ......... the heavily carved one on the right is $45.00
The other 5 are $15.00 each
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4
Bone and Steel Antique Crochet Hooks
All four of these crochet tools have hooks are extremely tiny and
delicate. The variety of handles that were designed for these antique
needlework tools is truly amazing. The two on the left are steel hooks
with bone and steel. The third one is all steel and the hook portion
retracts or slides up into the handle / sheath for protection. It is
marked "J B & Sons Patent Climax". The one on the right is all steel and
has a nice twisted handle.
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Very Good ......... $20.00 each
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5
Bone Antique Needlework Stilettos
Stilettos were used for a variety of purposes, and were an important part
of an antique sewing workbox. They were used to unpick stitches, to piece
holes in fabric, and even to create buttonholes. Here are 5 different
one-piece nicely turned or carved examples.
Very Good ........ $15.00 each
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3
Antique Needlework Stilettos
The handles of these stilettos are beautiful. The gold one on the
left is hallmarked and I believe is French. The one in the center is
mother-of-pearl. The one on the right is bone and resembles a fine piece
of cutlery.
Left............Excellent ........ $75.00
Center............Excellent ........ $35.00
Right............Good ........ $10.00
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4
Bone Antique Bodkins
Bodkins are similar to needles but were used to lace ribbon, tape or cord
rather than thread. These four are all slightly different from each other. The slits were hand-cut and the tips range from
pointed to more rounded and blunt.
Very Good ........ $15.00 each SOLD!
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4
Sterling Silver Bodkins in a Silk Case
This beautiful little kit must have been treasured by its owner. It
contains four different size sterling silver bodkins, each of them marked.
The silk cover is in fairly good condition. The little ribbons that hold
the tools need to be re-laced. The two narrower bodkins aren't quite flat
anymore, but overall it is a really sweet package.
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Good ........ $75.00
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Set
of Ivory Handled Ladies' Tools
These tools look to be early and are really nicely made---like fine
cutlery. I can't find any maker's mark on them. They include a
crochet hook, a tweezers, a corkscrew, a buttonhook, and a file. Each one
is about 4 1/2" long.
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Very Good...........$100.00 set
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Sterling
Pencil from Chatelaine
Very Good...........$10.00
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Perfume
Funnel and Corkscrew
The corkscrew is really early---probably 18th century. The handle
is bone and scrimshawed with the letter A. There is a bit of pitting to
the worm, but overall a really fine piece. These "ladies' corkscrews" were
used to open perfume bottles, medicinals, etc.
The funnel is very plain and simple and marked "France". It looks like some sort of stamped steel. There is no charge for it---it goes along with the corkscrew.
Corkscrew...........Good +...........$35.00
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2
Vintage Buttonhooks
Buttonhooks were considered a necessary implement for every woman to have
in the late 1800's and early 1900's. How else could you button and
unbutton your shoes?
Both Very Good
Celluloid Handle...........$15.00
Sterling Handle..............$25.00
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Figural Wooden
Sock / Stocking / Glove Darner
This vintage darning "egg" would have been just the thing to take care of
those holes and thin spots in the family's socks and stockings. The skinny
end could even have been used to sew up those pesky holes you get in the end of
the fingers of your gloves. The handle
removes to reveal an interior storage space for needles. Painted to look
like a woman it is whimsical and fanciful!
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Good+ ........ $25.00
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Chipped
Carved Mushroom Stocking Darner
This is a cute vintage sock darner. The wood is chipped carved and
painted / stained. It stands just under 3" tall. A great shape and
great decoration!
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Very Good ........ $18.00
EJ-1665
Two
Unusual Vintage Buttons
On the left is a pretty Satsuma ceramic one that measures about 7/8" in
diameter. On the right is a stamped brass one with an intricate design
that measures about 1 7/8".
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Both Very Good...........$15.00 pr.
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Advertising
Sewing Kit and Advertising Thimble
The little sewing kit was a political "give-away". For the voter on
the go, a thimble, thread and needles all in a compact little case. And
then an advertising thimble for "Schaeberle & Sons Music House". I don't
imagine too many of either of these were made and given out.
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Both Very Good...........$15.00 each
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6
Vintage Tracing Wheels / Leather Pricks
Each one is a little different from the other. All spin freely and
would be usable. I imagine the large wheeled one in the center could be
used for leather, and the two on either end are marked "C.S. Osborne & Co who is
the noted maker of antique leather tools from Newark, NJ.
Good -Very Good...........$15.00 each
EJ-1456