A pink card crochet hook set. c1880

A pink card crochet hook set. c1880The pink paper on this cardboard box is decorated with little gold crosses. Inside are four of the six steel crochet hooks in different sizes and a mutton bone universal handle with an acorn knop. c1880. The case has some stains but is in good condition with no breaks. 8. 5 x 3cm Stock no. LT06

The case measures 8

The silver is in good order with no holes but the top is slightly indented on one side

Both have domestic animal bone bases with one showing more of the obvious flecking indicative of bone

These are often described as tear catchers as they were supposedly used to catch a widows tears

each is pierced with a star shape and it has further piercing and engraving

The square ones are 4

It was probably one of a pair of shoe buckles but would work as a belt buckle too possibly for a doll

The lid is decorated with strips of straw set at an angle to create shaded areas to pleasing effect

There was revival in the 19th century-particularly in America- of an old ritual where a widows tears were caught in a bottle and then tipped on the husband's grave on the anniversary of the death

In very good condition- no damage to the silver

when viewed through a lens

It has its stopper which is removable