SOLD………A silver filigree book cover with its silk needle case. c 1800

SOLD………A silver filigree book cover with its silk needle case. c 1800A fine silver filigree book cover fitted with a silk needle book. c 1800 Originally it would have contained an almanac but are more often seen fitted as a needle case having been given a new lease of life by the thrifty needle woman. The little book is executed in lemon coloured silk and contains flannel for needles. In excellent condition bar a small kink in the top edge by the spine as seen in the first photo. 5. 5 x 3. 5 x 1 cm Roughly 2 x 1. 5 x

A souvenir sterling silver thimble embossed with the name of the seaside town of Bournemouth in capital letters and Spa on the rim

The type of embroidery of the lamb's fleece raises it from the background as with the trees in the left-hand corner

19th century

The propelling pin in the pencil is working and there is the mount for a nib but no nib

patinated gilt metal inner mount

The sleeves are engraved with leaves and there is a gap for an inscription but this wasn't used

It was probably made as a Christmas themed container for a ring or thimble

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

The adult thimble measures 2

They are black lacquered on the back

A very pretty cut and faceted steel sewing clamp used when netting

The brass screw on the base is stamped SGDG which is a French patent