Accession Number

2008.005.019.003

Alternate Name

kit, needlework; tweezers

Description

An ornate silver earwax spoon. The bowl of the spoon is quite small. The long handle widens at the top and splits between the front and back to form tweezers.

Narrative

Earwax spoons were common items in sewing kits in the 18th and 19th centuries. While also sometimes found in toilette sets and used for personal hygiene purposes, their place it sewing kits aided in the waxing of thread. Thread was waxed to make it stronger, less likely to tangle, and as a lubricant to help it slide through layers of fabric. Both beeswax and ear wax could be used for this. 

History of Use

The donor was a collector of needlework items and donated this to Craigdarroch as part of a large bequest of sewing tools. 

Dimensions

7 x 0.07 cm

Material

Metal, silver