An engraved Dutch silver bodkin case. c 1870

An engraved Dutch silver bodkin case. c 1870An attractive Dutch silver case. It's long so meant to hold a bodkin rather than needles. It has the Dutch silver mark of a dagger and also the mark of the maker which was Willem Koolman Jacobszoon dates 1856 1886. In excellent condition a few minor dents in the top and bottom caused by bodkins which were a bit too long but nothing more. Just under 9cm in length. Stock no. LG36

The handle is in the form of a fish with the petal holder in its mouth

7mm in length closed (just under 2 inches)

The back cover has a trellis design with leaves and the same border as the front

They have 4 dots grouped in a diamond pattern as decoration on the handles and are fully marked

Otherwise it is in excellent condition

It is a transitional piece the 'handle' being painted wood rather than turned rosewood as is more usual

The pastes all look to be original but with varied degrees of surface wear

The main part is a reel of bone which would have been returned to a shop to be filled when the thread was all gone

No damage otherwise

*It is slightly larger than is usual for Honitons at 9

The decorated lid hinges up releasing the brass mechanism which can then be extended revealing the red silk interior

It extends by pulling and closes with a push- is quite stiff to work but is getting easier with every use