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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/antique seamstress tool

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Expert: - 7/14/2008


Question

Tailor's square
I was given this seamstress/tailor's tool by my father-in-law.  He thought that it belonged to his Uncle or Grandfather who were carpenters.  However, it is marked "Worths French Tailor System - Patented" and also "Mme. Cowan. Inv&Prop. 359 Woodward Ave Detroit, Mich."  This leads me to believe that it actually belonged to his aunt who was a seamstress in the early 1900's (born 1882)and who was also known to make her husband's suits.  The wooden arms are ruled in inches and have the words bust, neck, waist with smaller ruled markings above those words. The shorter arm is 12 inches and the longer one is 24 inches. I believe that the metal on the corner and the curved metal piece connecting the two arms are made of copper or brass - they are not attracted to magnet.  Do you know anything about this kind of tool and do you think that I should attempt to clean the metal or leave as is?

Answer
Hello Mary.  You certainly have an intersting piece.  I've not seen one like it, but I don't collect this type of sewing tool.  I would not clean the metal, as that is patina from age.  I did a quick google patents search and did not find anything on Worth.  I'm sorry I can't be of more help on this.  Barb

Barbara K. Acchino

Experience

I have been collecting for almost 30 years.

Organizations
ThimbleCollectors@ONElist.com; Thimble Collectors International (TCI); Thimble Guild; Thimbletter & Thimbletter II, Empire State Thimble Collectors; CyberThimble; Yahoo Thimble Club

Publications
"Sewing with Scotties" Scottie Sampler; various articles for the "Bulletin" - official newsletter of Thimble Collectors International (TCI)

Education/Credentials
I have been collecting for almost 30 years.

Awards and Honors
TCI's President's Award

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