Expert: Barbara K. Acchino - 11/4/2005

Question
I THINK this is an antique sewing implement: A carved wooden egg 2 3/4" long, 1 3/4" diameter, unscrews in halves, has dozens of holes big enuff. for coarse thread, but not anything larger. Definitly NOT a darning egg.  Very finished, elaborate little object.  Recognize it?

Thanks much!

Answer
Hello Everett.  Is your egg a reddish brown color?  If so, it is not wood but what they commonly refer to as vegetable ivory.  It is actually made from the taugua nut.  Even if it is real wood, it sounds like you have a thimble holder.  I have seen these for sale in the past identified as many different things - the strangest being a "cricket cage."  You will find them for sale on eBay periodically.  They are also shown in many of the books on antique and collectible sewing tools.  Hope I've helped.  Barb