Description

All handsewn interior, oil cloth exterior, rolled housewife. Wool needle patch in various shades and cotton pockets and lining. (needles, thimble, thread, buttons, etc. are sold separately, not included, pictured for illustrative purposes only) Outside is covered with finely HAND MADE deep rich burgundy oil cloth, using period methods, with machine sewn herringbone cotton edge tape. (this period method produced oil cloth made by our Mr. Marsh is very simply a clear cut above anything available commercially, in either a quality or authenticity context. The finish achieved is available nowhere else that we have seen in 45 years in the trade and well worth paying for by any discerning patron desiring a truly museum quality example) This is a very well documented color for such items in the period – we have handled several original examples including a named housewife. Has two inner cotton pockets and a needle patch of wool. The lower pocket is a gathered edge bolster type to accommodate larger items such as thimbles and buttons. The tie is matching herring bone cotton tape. Oil cloth covered housewives are well documented among soldiers effects in many styles and types and very typical of the craftsmanship of the day. Ours is representative of the most common style we have seen and patterned after several original and identified examples we have examined and inventoried. Interiors are made of various colors and patterns in cotton shirt scraps, polished cotton, and wool as was typical in the period. A SoFS exclusive.