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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: lespauljames on July 08, 2012, 12:49:45 PM
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Hey fellas, first post, and its a question for dad.
This snake came fomr a house dating back to the 1600's in north devon, But then again, it could be from any period betwwen then and now, It is a 6"(15cm) bone snake. Presumably a hairpin bit i could be wrong.
what do you think fellas, I'm really stumped on this one as im more of a military guy, and dad is antique bottles.
(http://i1185.photobucket.com/albums/z352/dornat007/017-2.jpg)
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How long is it?
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He said 6 inches !! I would bet hairpin also !!
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I appreciate the replies! any idea on age atall? or the ethnicity of the piece
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Sorry mart didn't see that or I wouldn't have asked. I just wanted to see if it was a pointer to read, but it probably is a hairpin.
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No problem !! I always overlook stuff !! I am not familiar with the cultures in the UK but it could possibly date from that era !! I would take it to a museum and have the curator look at it !!
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Wow, that is really neat. I think what you may have there is what is known as a bodkin. These are used to thread ribbons, like when you had a ribbon in a ladies collar. These were often gifts that sailors made at sea and brought home for their sweethearts or female family members. They are usually pretty small and some have a hole or way of attaching the ribbon, but some do not.
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Could be, Tales !! I am not much up on clothing of that period !!
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This one does look like it has the right shape to be a bodkin. The ribbon would be tied around the "neck" right behind the snakes head. See how it narrows slightly there? Then it can easily be passed through the fabric and the ribbon then functions as a drawstring. Ribbon can also be woven in and out of lace collars. These are usually smaller, but sometimes they are made larger for larger things. Yours I think qualifies as a fid due to the size. Fids are used by sailors to loosen knots. You stick the pointy end into a knot and work it loose when a knot gets too tight. They are invaluable on board a ship. Here's a bit about fids and bodkins: http://reviews.ebay.com/The-Difference-Between-Fids-and-Bodkins?ugid=10000000004243324 (http://reviews.ebay.com/The-Difference-Between-Fids-and-Bodkins?ugid=10000000004243324) and some examples:
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xRjKdfv_DEQ/T3jOiUaeSdI/AAAAAAAABQE/5nJ0vdyc-7w/s1600/053.JPG)
(http://worthopedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/thumbnails2/1/0311/01/1_ff80e4f6859d88a57490bdc6d9cb35df.jpg)
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Talesof...thanks! Couldn't remember the name bodkin!!!
However, I guess I grew up with the term Bone Stiletto - that was used to do this! (The ones I knew of were traditionally made of Ox bone).
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Being raised in the construction business,, I used a sixteen p. nail for that !!
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I actually use my little antique bodkins a lot when I sew. They are wonderful little devices, great for loosening tight knots, threading drawstrings, poking holes in cloth and picking up the loop from the bobbin thread, when threading a sewing machine. I've often wondered why they aren't made today and there really is no modern substitute for them.
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Great bits of info on this thread. That's why I come here to read. Fid! I am convinced that is correct and its a great piece of folk art.
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Odds bodkins!
Fascinating stuff!
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I love those bodkins! I've never seen them before.I'll have to really check those out.
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There are some neat ones on Ebay. They are one of those antiques that is just as useful today as the day it was made that you can still use.
Did we lose the person who posted the thread originally?
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no, i'm here!.
Thanks for all the info. so a Bodkin perhaps, i could see how it would work, there is no wear around the neck though, is that an issue?
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Great bits of info on this thread. That's why I come here to read. Fid! I am convinced that is correct and its a great piece of folk art.
I agree that this is a great example of a Fid, used to work with canvas and rope.
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If your intent is to sell the item,, say that it could be either bodkin or fid !! That way you will appeal to a broader range of collectors !! Folk art collectors would like it as well !!
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You need to look up ox bone stiletto as well.....or ivory.
Here is an explanation
"Bone Stiletto
Based upon extant antique bone stilettos this wonderfully carved tool adds to the authenticity of your sewing equipment. Stilettos are used to force the weave of the fabric opento make an eyelet hole. Because the fabric is not cut, the eyelets will be stronger and won't tear easily. Instructions on using this tool and stitching eyelets are included in the volume "Lady’s Guide to Plain Sewing I", a variation is in volume II (see below). Not only are hand stitched eyelets much more period correct than metal eyelets (which weren't introduced until the late 19th C.), they will also secure your corset string and stop it from sliding. "
athttp://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/periodsewing.html (http://www.neheleniapatterns.com/english/periodsewing.html)
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Great website KC. Have you ever ordered from it?
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No I haven't but have eyed it for quite some time. Really like it!