Accession Number

2008.005.020a-c

Description

a. Wooden needle case, turned on a lathe and then carved. The design is vertical lines and cross-hatching. Both ends open with removable caps (b-c).

Narrative

Early needles were costly items and needle cases prevented them from becoming lost, bent, or broken. Although the industrial revolution made needles inexpensive and readily available, cases such as this remained a popular way to store needles. They were often highly ornate and made of silver, ivory, bone, and wood. 

The length of this case indicates that it was possibly designed as a case for netting needles or crochet hooks.

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. 

Date

circa 1880

Dimensions

21 cm

Material

Wood