AboutIrene Schwall Expertise I have been a collector of antique sewing tools and thimbles for over 30 years. I am also a dealer in this field and sell on eBay under the name -- serengeti2.
Please note:
I am NOT, and I repeat NOT an expert on antique or vintage domestic household sewing machines used for everyday home sewing -- I can offer help when it comes to TOY or miniature collectible sewing machines ONLY.
Experience My expertise is in ANTIQUE sewing or needlework tools & thimbles, gold, silver, brass, ivory, bone etc. Modern thimbles are not necessarily my strong point but I may be able to help so don't hesitate to ask. I am also very well versed in the identification of Hallmarks on sewing collectibles.
Organizations Thimble Collectors International
SCTC - Southern California Thimble Club
SDTC - San Diego Thimble Club
OTS - Ohio Thimble Seekers
Priscilla Nutmeggers - CT/MA/NH
Dorset Thimble Society - UK
Rund um den Fingerhut - Germany
www.925/1000.com
Cyberthimble on Yahoo
Publications I belong to Thimble Collectors International & I chair the committee 'Publishing/Grants' and oversee the research and publication of booklets relating to sewing tools and thimbles.
I have also had articles published on needlework related topics.
Question Can you please identify this sewing tool that came with our family from Czechoslavkia over 120 years ago. I have pictures if you wish. Its wooden 10" round mirror on ront, cylinder on top and on top of that a tiny pin cushion. Back has vice clap to attach to something. drawing of a young boy bowing in period clothes to a turkey with a lamb and bridge in background. Cylinder has tiny hole possibly for thread although I can't find an opening to enclose thread. Hopefully, you can help id this item.
Answer Hello Carole,
Wow! and Wow again -- what a beautiful piece. What you have here is something very special.
It is a sewing clamp and more specifically, English Mauchline ware and this technique was developed towards the end of the eighteenth century in the town of Alyth, Pertshire. It was invented by a man by the name of John Sandy. The wood used was generally sycamore. Your sewing clamp is more specifically 'Transfer ware' (still under the umbrella of Mauchline ware)and it was first manufactured as early as the 1850's. More items were produced with transfer decoration than in any other finish. Transfer ware is 'true' souvenir ware in that each piece was decorated with a view associated with a place.
Your sewing clamp appears to have a transfer of London Bridge with a shepherd and sheep in the foreground.
The clamp will tighten onto a table, the center appears to be a place for thread and the top of the clamp is a pincushion. The center barrel-shaped thread holder must have an end that slips off. Under magnification, view both ends and if you see a 'slit' GENTLY pry it off. This will be the thread storage. Do not force anything!
It also appears that your sewing clamp is in good condition so that would make it very collectible.
Enjoy your family heirloom.
Best wishes,
Irene
