Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Brass Mending Kit

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Expert: - 12/24/2009


Question

Brass Mending Kit
I have a (seemingly) old brass mending kit.  It is tubular shaped with the thimble sticking out of the top.  Inside, there are two spools of thread on a slender tube which contains the needles.  I can find no markings of any kind on this kit.  I am just interested in history not value.  
Thank you for this wonderful site.

Answer
Hello Karen.  

This style of mending kit has been produced since World War I.  If the outside looks like it may have been painted an olive drab (as the needle case seems to be) I would say your kit may have been made for military use.  It is impossible to date your kit more precisely, as they have been mass produced over the years.  They are a cross collectible - militaria and sewing collectors will be interested in your item.  However, they are not extremely valuable.  Condition does have a great impact on the value, as well.  If your item belonged to a family member, it may have more sentimental than monetary value.  

Hope this helps.  Barbara

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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