Expert: Irene Schwall - 8/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi ive enclosed photo of a set of sewing tools in the original box. I have always thought they were bone handals but i wonder if you can tell me more about them how old they are etc.what they are made of ect.also i was thinking of selling them but have no idea what they are worth. Ive also got four oddment tools ithink one of them is mother of pearl (ive enclosed them in photo too on lid of the box) but thats all i know about them. thankyou for reading my e-mail and i hope to hear from you soon thankyou again .

ANSWER: Hello Karen,
Thank you for your query.
The sewing set dates to the Victorian Era and the provenance is England. I can see a needle case, an awl or punch, perhaps two crochet hooks??
The tools on the lid = these are most likely bone and date to the same period.  The single mother-of-pearl handled tool is also English dating to the late 1800's.

From the photo it is impossible for me to determine if the tools are all original to the box or what they are made of i.e. bone or celluloid (plastic).  Are you able to take a clearer photo for me please? Please also list the tools and provide a full condition report of each of them.

Also, rub the handles of the tools that are in the fitted box.  If they get warm to the touch, you have plastic or Celluloid.  Bone has 'black' lines (the blood vessels) and these lines will appear on the handles of the tools - they might appear to look like dirt.

I look forward to being able to assist you.
Regards,
Irene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi irene thankyou for answering my e-mail. the tools in the box have got black lines running through them, there is two crochet hooks one needle case and two of the tools just have pointed ends.the end on one of them is a little bent other than that they are in very good condition as is the box.the mother of pearl tool has a pointed end and is in excelent condition the one there is another one the same with bone handle also in the same condition the cochet hook with bone handle is in vey good condition too and the stiletto (i think thats what they call it) is in excellent condition too. ive attached two pictures. ill look forward to hearing from you again, thankyou again karen

Answer
Hello Karen,
Thank you for the additional photos and explanation of what needlework tools are in the box. The tools have bone handles and the needle case is also bone.  Date and provenance has been given above - nothing changed there.
The pointy end tool = an awl or punch.
A similar set recently sold on eBay for $39.28 and it included a thimble (total of 5 tools).
A three piece MOP (mother-of-pearl) handled sewing tool set sells for around $25-$30.
These sets are quite common so nothing is considered a rarity.
If you plan to sell your set, eBay is your best source for pricing as it will guide you as to what things are currently selling for.
Regards,
Irene