Description

A nice high grade needle case made in the book style with gold embossed, reddish brown leather veneer cover. Comes in designed paper covered cardstock slip case which has kept it in very good condition. Interior is also designed paper and has one billow pocket which retains one original labeled packet of Milward brand needles (1857), the most popular of the period. (needles inside with wool insert and Clarks thread advert, still in place) The pocket could retain thread cards, a flat button or two, etc. There is a ribbon running vertically in the fold of the book which serves to retain a light blue fabric “page” for needle and pins. This cloth has some wear to the edges and is weak but is actually not in too bad of shape. On closer inspection it is readily evident that the edge was actually cut in a somewhat delicate decorative pattern, not damaged – but with some wear and fraying. The cloth insert appears to have been an early replacement as somewhat crude hand stitching currently attaches it to the ribbon. Could be replaced for use, or left as is for display. Three original straight pins remain in place in the wool. While the ubiquitous” housewife” is well documented, most did with what they could find or was sent – I have seen a great variety of items put into use as the sewing kit – this one could suffice as simply a part, or even pressed into service as the whole. Appropriate for either the gentlemen, lady, or soldier.