Special Note Concerning Prices Seen Below:
Most prices seen reflect actual sale results from this website. Prices seen
span a long period of time and may not reflect current values. Some
are selling for more, many now sell for less. On some pieces you will see no price, or a price range,
with or without an explanation. The reasons for that are discussed on the FAQ page.
Our current offering of Antiques for sale are at our sister Website
Patented-Antiques.com.
Antique Sewing Birds / Figural Clamps
The
Cast
Iron Figural Swan Head Sewing Clamp
This is a very interesting
looking small sewing clamp that has a lot of character. It is only about
3" tall and is finished in a gold wash. The casting is very nice, and the beaded
decoration at the base is a nice touch. It looks a lot like a swan
head, and the lower part of the jaw swings in and is spring loaded to grip the
fabric. It works well.
Very Good + . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!
Antique
Figural Barracuda Sewing Clamp with Pincushion
First there were
just Plain Jane utilitarian sewing clamps to help seamstresses perform their
tasks acting as third hands. Over time many different figural examples were
made. The were a number of patents issued for sewing clamps over the years
and one for a sewing bird / clamp was issued in 1853. Designs evolved
to be more elaborate and clamps portrayed numerous other animals and creatures.
Many were custom made and are one of a kind creations and very rare. That
is the case with this example of a swimming Barracuda. It is one I have
never seen before. It looks to date from the 19th century and may predate
the 1853 patents that were issued for birds.
This antique sewing clamp stands a bit over 9" tall and the Barracuda / fish
is approx 5" long. Every aspect is well done, from the turned screw to
the cast the heart shaped / turnip shaped thumbscrew at the bottom. The
fish can swivel back and forth as though it is swimming. The spring is
good, and the Barracuda's teeth are cut to help hold fabric. The design
of the frame is great with its sweeps and chamfered sharp edges flowing into
rounded ones. A rare and unique specimen of a great form, and very
unusual antique figural sewing clamp.
Excellent. . . . .$995.00 SOLD!
Sea
Serpent / Snake Figural Brass Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This is
a very graphic and nicely designed sewing clamp with a figural critter head
to hold the fabric, and a pin cushion over a needle drawer in a decorated box
mounted on the frame behind the figural head. It is about 5" tall, and
just under 3" wide. The red velvet cloth on the pincushion is original
and shows some wear. It has developed a nice patina and is a very unusual
design.
Very Good + . . . . .$595.00 SOLD!
Figural
Butterfly Sewing Clamp w/ 2 Pincushions
This is one of the
rarest of American sewing clamps that can be found. This is one of
just a couple I have seen in over 25 years of looking for them. It is
nickel plated brass and the condition is fabulous. The spring is very
strong and the butterfly's mouth grips fabric very well. There are two
pin cushions and both appear to be original. The butterfly itself measures
about 3" long, and the entire clamp stands about 5" tall overall.
The butterfly sewing clamps were made under the same patent as the commonly
seen sheet brass sewing birds that have the 1853 patent information stamped
on the wing. The other figural or animal forms never really
caught on, and while the sewing birds made under this patent are relatively
common, even to the point of still being made today, the other versions, like
this one, were only offered for a short period and quickly faded into history.
A rare find! All original and ready for display.
Very Good ++ . . . . .$1495.00 SOLD!
Cast
Iron Mallard Duck Head Sewing Clamp with Pincushion
This antique
sewing clamp stands just about 7" tall and the duck head is a bit over 6" long.
The head is cast iron and every aspect is highly detailed right down to the
glass eyes.
The spring is present, and it grips fabric well. The pincushion fabric
is a red velvet that looks like it may have been replaced in the past.
But it is not as bright as my picture came out. The bottom clamp is cast
brass. A seldom seen sewing clamp that has great form, and will be a highlight
of the display.
Very Good . . . . .$695.00 SOLD!
Cast
Brass Mallard Duck Head Sewing Clamp with Pincushion
This antique
sewing clamp is similar to the cast iron one above. It is cast brass
and has a few other subtle differences. It is not just a copy or
recast of that version. It stands just about 7" tall but the duck
head is only 5" long. The inside of the mouth is pebbled-like to create a gripping
surface and from what I remember very much like a ducks tongue, or like a cats
tongue if you have ever felt that. The spring is good, and it grips fabric
well.
The holder for the pincushion has a series of holes along the edge to help
with attaching the fabric---a nice design touch. The pincushion fabric
is a red velvet that looks like it may have been replaced. This type of
sewing clamp dates from the mid to late 19th century and is a great example
of how the design and art of these devices evolved from simple utilitarian devices
to pieces of art. A wonderful example of a great figural sewing
clamp.
Very Good . . . . .$795.00 SOLD!
Curly
Cue Snake Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This antique figural sewing
clamp has a great double curly-cue shape. It is very graphic and obviously
represents a snake.
The design of the spring loaded head / clamp is very different from the norm
and works fine. The spring loaded mounting clamp is also completely different
from what is typically encountered. You pull down on the spring loaded
lever to open the jaws and it self-clamps into place. It is an interesting
design I have never seen used on a sewing clamp before. The pincushion
has decorative tucks that look to have been purposefully done to help create
a look of petals or leaves.
This antique snake form sewing clamp stands just about 7" tall and the tailed
snake including the double loops is about 6" long . This sewing clamp
has a great look and is a unique one of a kind creation that will display very
well and be a highlight of the different forms you can find.
Very Good . . . . .$895.00 SOLD!
Reclining
Dog / Irish Setter Figural Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This is only
the third one of these unusual figural sewing clamps I have had in over 25 years
of dealing in antiques and sewing birds / figural clamps and other sewing accessories.
I have seen just a few others in all that time offered for sale. A rare
bird, or dog in this instance!
This figural sewing clamp has a great look, and great action. The dog
is sitting on his bed, that doubles as a pincushion or work holder. You
can open his mouth by pushing on the small lever between his feet. This
portion works fine. It is approx 5" tall, and just over 3" long.
My understanding is that it was made under the same patent as the commonly seen
patent dated sewing birds, but that these alternative forms were not popular
back then and few were made. It is not marked, but it is real, and a super
rare piece, in super condition. Opportunity is scratching at the
door.
Very Good + . . . . .$1595.00 SOLD!
Figural
Elk / Reindeer Sewing Clamp w/ 2 Spool Pins
This cast iron figural
sewing clamp is a great piece of American folk art / Americana. It transcends
the category of sewing accessories and figural sewing clamps and is one of the
nicest figural pieces of folk art I have ever handled.
Look at the detail and construction of this rare piece. It is truly
a wonder that it survived intact the last 100 + years. It is approx. 9"
tall, and just over 5" wide across the bone spool pins. It is a one of
a kind unique piece and will be a highlight and topic of conversation of any
collection.
A bit of provenance: I first bought this sewing clamp about 20
years ago at a farm and engine show in the Midwest. It was in a display
case with a bunch of rare spark plugs and unusual wrenches. It was not
for sale. It was on display. I was impressed but also concerned
as I knew the present owner was going to arrive the next day and he would be
on this like flies on ........
I spent 3-4 hours with the fellow who owned it trying
to get it out of the case. He kept saying it was not for sale, it
was on display. I kept asking why. Finally I changed my tune and
I made him an offer I can not even remember the details of. It was substantial
though, and he opened the case and handed it to me. I held on to it for
2-3 years and then traded it for another great piece (a pencil sharpener) that
was not for sale from the same fellow who was to show up the next day.
Now some 15 years later here it is again, and this time it has a price on it
and trades are not an option. A reindeer---think of it as a gift from
Santa if you need an excuse. A fleeting opportunity that will not repeat
itself again for another 20 or more years if ever.
Excellent - Very Good + . . . . .$2995.00 SOLD!
Cut
Steel Thread Winder / Spool Sewing Clamp
Cut steel is a medium that originated in Europe and is thought to have been
introduced as early as the 16th century. It has a great look, and it was
mostly used for jewelry, pins, or buckles, and to find other objects in this
medium is quite unusual. This antique thread winder is about 6" tall and
has a wonderful faceted design of leaves on a vine with faceted and polished
edges that shimmer and "glows" in the light. It is a wonderful example and
displays very nicely.
Very Good . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
Cast
Brass Figural Scaly Dog / Creature Sewing Clamp w/ Hook
This is
a very interesting looking sewing clamp that has just the hook you see at the
tail to use to hold the work---usually referred to as a netting hook.
It is only about 4" tall and is a great casting. It looks like a mythical
creature with a dog head and scales to me. It is otherwise unmarked.
Interesting!
Very Good + . . . . .$325.00 SOLD!
Antique
Winged Cherub Gilded Brass Sewing Clamp Pincushion
Cherubs were
a favorite theme of the Victorian era. This unusual brass sewing clamp
has a beautiful winged cherub below the nicely decorated blue pincushion. The
body is gilded and retains a lot of the original finish. Note there is
a hole through the body that would allow a user to tie off an accessory or work.
A nice added touch. It is about 6" tall, and the pin cushion about
2 1/4" diameter. A very nice piece of Victorian era workmanship!!
Very Good-Excellent . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
2
Polished Steel / Wood & Ivory Thread Winders / Spool Winders
These
are very showy with their mix of materials and heart shaped thumb screws in
the polished frames. Thread winders like this would date from the 19th
century or before. These two examples are very nice.
Very Good . . . . .$195.00 / Pair SOLD!
Figural
Dog Sewing Clamp The sewing
clamp became the 19th century seamstress' third hand. Fastened to a work
table, it acted as a vise of sorts to securely hold the fabric being worked,
enabling it to be held taut while being hand-stitched. Manufacturers
promoted the health-related benefits of these products, claiming they eliminating
rounded shoulders and stooped backs while sewing, but clearly for the lady of
comfortable means who could afford it, these needlework tools were pieces of
art that were treasured symbols of status and were often given as tokens of
love. Far rarer than the numerous variations of "sewing birds" were clamps in
the shapes of animals and other mythological creatures. Undoubtedly the
figural dog clamp is one of the most sought-after of all the figural needlework
clamps, and this puppy has been my personal favorite for years!
The body of this example displays fine nickel-over-brass patina as well as excellent
detail. The black silk fabric pincushion cover has been replaced, with
the cushion itself being original. If you are a collector of antique needlework
tools, this is the piece that will put you in the top of your class!
Very Good. . . . .$1295.00 SOLD!
Antique
Rosewood Sewing Clamp Pincushion
This is a very nice pin
cushion sewing clamp. The condition is super, and the pincushion is original.
It is turned rosewood or other exotic dark hardwood and dates from the late
19th century. A nice piece.
Excellent . . . . .$175.00
SOLD!
2
Ivory Thread Winders / Spools
These antique ivory sewing
clamp spool winders are about the same size but slightly different in design
and construction. Both are very nice and damage free. They may be
English or from New England and date from the 19th century.
Very Good . . . . .$195.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Figural Sewing Clamp w/ Sea Shell Pincushion W/ Thread Winder
This unusual figural sewing clamp has a sea shell
pincushion. A very nice
piece of mid 19th century to Victorian era workmanship!!
Excellent . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
Antique
Polished Steel Figural Sewing Clamp w/ Shell Pincushion
This
unusual figural sewing clamp has a stylized animal clamp below the unusual shell
pincushion. The bird / critter has a nose or beak, but it could represent
any number of different animals. The spring to operate it is good.
The U shaped clamp portion is decorated with a shield and a lot of filed scallops
and beveled edges. It is a finely crafted example that is about
6 1/2" tall, and the seashell pincushion is about 2" long. A very nice
piece of mid 19th century to Victorian era workmanship!!
Excellent . . . . . .$325.00 SOLD!
Antique
Brass Stylized Sewing Clamp
This is an unusual stylized sewing clamp. The base clamp is a well cast brass that has been gilded or finished
with a high golden luster. On top of that is a decorative piece that looks
like a shield. It is brass, but has aged and has a darker Patina than
below. The top clamp is brass as well and the decoration on the top is
an arrow with feathers engraved into the top. The spring to operate it
is OK. It is a finely crafted and sturdy example that is about 7" tall.
A very nice piece of mid 19th century to Victorian era workmanship!!
Excellent . . . . .$275.00 SOLD!
Primitive
Blacksmith Made Antique Iron Sewing Clamp
This antique
sewing clamp is fashioned from forged iron and a lot of handwork went into finishing
and fashioning the different pieces. It has an interesting clamp system with
an eccentric toothed wheel that swings around to act as the clamp.
It is just about 6" tall and 5 1/2" wide. Note the bearing plate is a
cut-out heart shape, as is the thumbscrew. Someone has applied two foreign
coins to the screw to spread the pressure when using it. This is a good
looking sewing clamp with a good patina that is ready for display.
Very Good ........ $275.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Steel Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This is
an unusual sewing clamp with a red pincushion. The head has a nice shape and
the spring, because of the wishbone shape, is very stiff and the clamp is very
tight. It has a very finely cut out thumbscrew. The sewing clamp
is about 7 1/2" tall, and the pin cushion is about 1 1/2" diameter.
It has been cleaned and polished, and is ready for the collection and display.
Very Good . . . . .$225.00 SOLD!!
Stylized
Antique White Brass / German Silver Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This antique sewing clamp is fashioned from a very light colored brass
or German Silver and has a great look and form. A lot of hand finish work
went into the different edges and corners. The knurling on the rounds
and especially at the top of the pincushion has a pleasing look and feel to
it.The
pincushion fabric is a replacement and looks great.
It has an interesting stylized form and is just about 7" tall and 4 1/2"
long. The spring is strong and it works well. This is a good looking
sewing bird / sewing clamp and is ready for display.
Very Good . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!!
Figural
Cast Iron Sewing Clamp w/ Box Pincushion
This sewing clamp
is about 5" tall. It has an interesting design with the critter head and
clamp in front of the cast iron box with a red velvet pincushion on top.
The paint is in very nice condition, and the clamp spring works fine.
It is a great looking antique sewing bird with nice detailing. The pincushion
on top is in super condition. The thumbscrew has an interesting cross
hatch design detail. It is in remarkably good condition and is a very
nice design.
Very Good . . . . . .$275.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Machinist Made Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This unusual sewing
clamp was machine made by a highly skilled craftsperson / machinist. The
side is stamped with a number 1909 which could very well be the date, although
it could date from earlier than that as well. The clamp is in an amazing
state of preservation and still retains nearly all of its original lacquer finish.
It is a wonderful golden color. The top pincushion is original but did
not wear nearly as well and could do with a new outer covering being applied.
It is about 8 1/2" tall, and the pin cushion is about 1 1/2" diameter.
A very nice looking and graphic sewing clamp.
Excellent. . . . .$250.00 SOLD!!
More Antique Sewing Birds / Figural Clamps
The
Antique
Patented "Full Body Robin" Sewing Bird w/ Pincushion
This
is a great looking antique sewing bird clamp. It is known as the full
bodied robin. There is patent information under the tail that says "A.
Gerould & Co. Patent". There is a small pincushion under the neck and
it is original and shows some wear. A very graphic and good looking clamp
that will display nicely.
Very Good. . . . . . . $225.00
SOLD!
Marshall
Field & Co. STERLING Silver Sewing Bird w/ 2 Pincushions
This is
one of the finest and rarest of the sewing bird clamps we have. Do not
mistake it for what you see offered elsewhere.
This rare and unusual sewing clamp is marked "Marshall Field & Co." and "Sterling"
inside the clamp portion. It is solid sterling silver. It is a variation
I have never seen before.
It is a great looking antique sewing clamp / bird with one pincushion below
the bird. This is the form or style sewing bird clamp that has been most
widely copied and is still being made and sold today, but even a simple comparison
reveals that this is a completely different piece than those.
The bird itself is not just a thin sheet of brass. The wings
and body are silver and test to be silver. This one does not have the
patent date which the fakes one do have. But this is the real one!
The pin cushion has been replaced. The clamp portion is silver as
well, and that is where this is marked with the name and Sterling.
The clamp potion is a very detailed and very well done. The differences
from new ones being sold are stark.
Another special and rare sewing bird / clamp that will stand out from, and
is heads and tails above, the rest of the flock!
Excellent . . . . . . . $495.00
SOLD!
Unusual
Cast Brass / Bronze Sewing Bird No longer are sewing birds what you would
call common, but certainly the stamped brass ones tend to be those that are
more frequently available. If you have been at it for a while you know
that the fun of assembling any collection is in adding pieces that are distinctly
different from the others. If you have all the common forms of sewing
birds and you are looking for something that is definitely different, then this
one is bound to fit the bill. There is no doubt that this sewing
bird was made by an individual and probably done in the interest of economy---"Honey,
I can make you one of those!" The body of the bird is nicely executed
and shows the attention to detail of an artist with its cross-hatched lines
to simulate the feathers and two little bird eyes. The bird as well as
the pincushion holder have that certain charm exhibited by early hand-made pieces.
The clamping beak is strong and sturdy and was made to do the job. I can't
tell exactly what the metal that was used is, but it appears to be cast of a
brass or bronze alloy and has a nice dark untouched patina.
Very Good . . . . . . . $175.00
SOLD!
Petite
Brass Sewing Bird This dainty example of the classic sewing
bird form, with an unusual feather pattern design on the body, measures a mere
2 3/4" from beak to tail, and just 1 3/8" from wing to wing. It is significantly
smaller than the size that is most familiar to needlework collectors, and I
have often wondered if it was meant to be used by a young child learning domestic
arts. It is guarantee old and genuine.
Very Good. . . . . . . $195.00
SOLD!
Antique
Brass Sewing Bird w/ Lower Pincushion
This is a great looking
vintage sewing bird / clamp with the pincushion below the nicely patina'd brass
bird. This is one of the harder to find variations of these with
the cushion below, and the pin cushion is original. Overall
it is in nice condition and it works well.
Very Good. . . . . . . $225.00
SOLD!
Nickel
Plated Brass Antique Sewing Bird w/ 2 Pincushions
This is a great
looking sewing clamp / bird with one pincushion below the bird on top of the
clamp and another smaller one on its back.
This antique sewing bird was patented in the mid 1800's and is the form that
has been most widely copied or reproduced. There are new versions
being made and sold today, but they are a world apart in quality from this example.
You can see a constant supply of the new fake version being offered on eBay
as both old and new.
A simple comparison reveals that this is a completely different and much
nicer piece than those. Reproductions of this style sewing bird have been
made since the 20's, so some of the knockoffs do have some real age to them.
Some later examples are marked Japan on the clamp and date from after WWII.
The newest examples carry the patent date on the wing, but no other ID.
This is a real antique sewing bird, and dates from the turn of the
century or before. The bird itself is made of thin sheet brass that
is nickel plated. The wings have great feather details. It is very
detailed, and very well done. The lower pincushion is not plated, and
I believe this is correct as I have seen other examples in the same finish scheme.
A nice clamp.
Very Good . . . . . . . $175.00
SOLD!
Nickel
Plated Brass Antique Sewing Bird
This is a nice
looking sewing clamp / bird with one pincushion below the bird on top of the
clamp and another place on its back for a smaller one that is
missing.
This style antique sewing bird was patented in the mid 1800's and is the form that
has been most widely copied or reproduced. There are new versions
being made and sold today, but they are a world apart in quality from this example.
You can see a constant supply of the new fake version being offered on eBay
as both old and new. The newest examples carry the patent date
on the wing, as this one does, but no other ID.
This is a real antique sewing bird, and dates from near the turn of the
century or before. The bird itself is made of thin sheet brass that
is nickel plated. The wings have great feather details.
A nice clamp.
Very Good. . . . . . . $275.00
SOLD!
Nickel
Plated Brass Antique Sewing Bird This sewing clamp / bird with one pincushion on top of the clamp is identical to
the one above but w/o the lower pincushion. It may be missing, or
they may have been offered this way.
This style sewing bird was patented in the mid 1800's and is the form that
has been most widely copied or reproduced. You can see a constant supply of the new fake version being offered on eBay
as both old and new. A simple comparison reveals that this is a completely different and much
nicer piece than those. Reproductions of this style sewing bird have been
made since the 20's, so some of the knockoffs do have some real age to them.
Some later examples are marked "Japan" on the clamp and date from after WWII.
The newest examples carry the patent date on the wing, as this one does, but no other ID.
This is a real antique sewing bird, and dates from the turn of the
century or before.
A nice clamp!
Very Good. . . . . . . $125.00
SOLD!
Cast
Iron Tole Painted Antique Sewing Bird This is a great
looking antique sewing clamp / bird that dates from the 19th
century. It has a lot of original paint and finish that is hard to see in
the pics. The neck is gold in color, and the main body has lots of
original black paint w/ a red highlights at the tips of the wings. The
spring is strong, and the heart shaped screw clamp works properly.
The bird itself is made of cast iron. It is very
well done and a nice casting. A nice clamp.
Very Good. . . . . . . $195.00
SOLD!
A.
Gerould & Co. Patented "Full Body Robin" Sewing Bird w/ Pincushion
This is the same as the example above. There is a small pincushion
under the neck and it is original and shows some wear. It has a slightly
lighter patina than the example above. Nice!
Very Good . . . . . . . . .$175.00 SOLD!
Antique
Polished Steel Sewing Bird
This sewing
clamp is polished steel and English in origin. It dates from the 19th century. It
is graceful in form with a stylized "bird" having a beak to hold the fabric
and a tall flat tail you push to open it. Note the cut-out heart design in the
thumbscrew! Overall this is a very nice sewing clamp that has been cleaned
and polished to highlight its design and will display very nicely. Very
nice!
Very Good . . . . . . . .$275.00
SOLD!
Antique
Sewing Clamp Pincushion
This is a very early
pincushion sewing clamp that dates from the early 19th century. There is
some minor rust, and it has not been cleaned or polished. It is a nicely
crafted steel pin cushion with a hook incorporated into the bottom thumbscrew
to help hold work like netting, the idea being you could tie off your work to
this hook allowing the pin cushion to be used to hold needles or pins.
A nice added touch. It is about 5 1/2" tall, and the pin cushion
about 2" diameter.
Good+ . . . . .$65.00 SOLD!
Antique
Polished Steel Figural Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion & Winder
Most of the clamps on this page are a third of the size of the similar
designed sewing clamps on the other stylized critter page. This one is
only 5 1/2" tall, and about 3" long from spool winder to the nose.
The pin cushion is nice and its holder has a nice turned post. The
spring is strong, and it grips fabric well. The number 13 is stamped inside
of the curved tail. The wooden thread spool at the back is nice, and an
added feature not seen very often. There is a name embossed on the
little plaque on the front of the clamp. It looks to say XXXX Siebel
in script and is very faint. A very nice piece of mid 19th century to
Victorian era workmanship!!
Excellent . . . . .$295.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Figural Steel Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
This figural
iron sewing clamp / bird is 6" tall, and about 4" long from the
nose to tail. The head was carefully done and has an interesting
design nose and small eyes. The spring is good, and this sewing clamp
has a great stylized flattened and curled tail you push on to open the mouth.
The fabric of the pin cushion is a replacement that looks good. This one
has not been cleaned or polished and has a great original patina that only 19th
century iron can develop. Another very nice piece of mid 19th century
to Victorian era craftsmanship!!
Very Good . . . . . . .$295.00 SOLD!!
Multi
Feature Patented Antique Sewing Clamp
This unusual sewing clamp
has a whole list of features and is English. There is patent information and
a location on the top of the body. The buttonhole cutter is also marked
Patent and there is a name on the circular clamp near the thimble holder as
well. It looks like it says "The Empire", but the stamp is weak.
In addition to a spring loaded plunger type clamp to hold the fabric, this sewing
tool also sports a thimble holder, a slot for scissors or another tool,
a circular loop / clamp for ???, a slide out button hole cutter, and a pin cushion.
It is about 6 1/2" tall, and the pin cushion is about 1 1/2" across. It
is in super original condition. A very nice and unusual addition for the
collection!!
Very Good . . . . . .$195.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Sewing Clamp / Button Hole Cutter / Scissor & Needle Sharpener
There is a lot of utility and function packed into this little gem.
It is about 5" tall and 2" wide. A very rare and unusual sewing accessory
/ tool with several functions and a lot of appeal. Recommended.
Very Good . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!!
Antique Nickel Plated Sewing Bird
w/ 2 Pincushions
This is a great looking antique sewing clamp / bird with one pincushion
below the bird and another smaller one on its back. The pin cushions
are original and nice. It is the form that has been most widely copied
and is still being made and sold today, but even a simple comparison
reveals that this is a completely different and much nicer piece than
those. This one does not have the patent date which the fakes one do
have.
The bird itself is not just a thin sheet of brass. The wings are solid
and very heavy. The other big difference is the clamp portion. This
one is not cast---it is machined, and engraved with its decoration or
design. It is very detailed, and very well done. The differences from
a new one are stark. A special and rare sewing bird / clamp that will
stand out from, and is heads and tails above the rest.
Excellent . . . . . .$295.00
SOLD!
Antique
Sewing Bird / Clamp with 4 Thread Winding Spools & Pin Cushion
This antique sewing bird is exceptional. Not only does it have
great form, it truly has great function---actually multi-functions---as well.
Once clamped onto the table the seamstress or needle worker could squeeze the
gracefully-shaped tail of the "stylized bird" to open its beak and insert her
handiwork. The red velvet pincushion on top would have been a place to
keep her straight pins and needles within easy reach. Four wooden spools
are incorporated into the design and would have allowed her to have several
different colors of thread wound and ready for use.
This sewing bird is exceptionally well made and well thought out, and probably
English in origin. It is approx 7" tall and 2 1/2 " wide. The clamp is
affixed to the frame using a dovetailed joint. The spring is strong and
it holds fabric very well. The pincushion base unscrews and removes from
the frame so the cushion could be replaced if needed. The wooden spools
remove by unscrewing the rods that go through their centers so they could be
taken out and wound. There is fine detailing in the thumbscrew.
It is in remarkably good condition and is a very unusual design. It has
been cleaned and polished up nicely. One other aspect of note is that
there six dots marked on the inside of the main bar of the clamp. Was this the
6th one the maker made? Or does it represent something else? The
last one of these we had was marked with Roman numerals in this area.
A mystery for The Antique Detectives!
Very Good-Excellent . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!!
Folksy Painted Wooden Pincushion Clamp
This is an interesting wooden tole painted pincushion clamp.
From the designs it looks to me like it could be American or it may be
Scandinavian. It is unusual in that on one side is a little round
mirror. The "trim" around the edge of the mirror has flaked off
(even more is missing than what the picture shows). It's a great
looking piece of folk art as well as a great antique sewing collectible.
Good . . . . .$95.00
SOLD!
Cut
Steel / Decorated Antique Sewing Clamp Pincushion w/ Hook
Cut
steel is an art form that is most closely associated with France and England.
It can date from as early as the 17th century. Sewing clamps in this form
are very rare. This one is all original and in super nice condition.
The pin cushion looks to be original and sits in a round bottom cut steel
decorated trough. That is held up by a finely turned stepped post.
The outside of the clamp portion is also decorated with cut steel buttons and
flowers. The bottom heart shaped thumbscrew is very nicely done as well.
It also has an unusual spiral cut thread which serves to double the speed when
turning it to open or close. A very hard to achieve detail.
The final feature is the hook that can be used to tie off or hold your work
acting as a third hand if you will. At first glance a simple and utilitarian
example, but upon examination a wonderful piece of cut steel, and a very early
and unusual sewing clamp.
Excellent . . . . .$175.00 SOLD!
Stylized
Antique Steel Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
At first glance this a
lot like one of the clamps from the other stylized clamp page. A
closer examination, and seeing them side by side, reveals a host of differences.
They may have been made by the same hand, but they are quite different.
This sewing clamp / bird is only 5" tall and 4" long. Side by side the
difference in size is dramatic. The head is also a different shape, and
a lot more file work was put into shaping this one's head with its rounded shape
and peak at the middle. This is a good looking sewing bird / sewing
clamp that has been cleaned and polished and is ready for display or to be put
back to use.
Very Good . . . . . .$395.00 SOLD!
Figural
Hand
Antique Steel Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion
Different & Nice!!
Very Good . . . . . .$195.00 SOLD!
Antique
Brass Sewing Clamp Pincushion w/ Special Features This is an odd
looking sewing clamp / pin cushion. It resembles an ancient building with
pillars or a monument and in a sense that is what it is because in addition
to the look and the pincushion, this unusual clamp also has a secret area that
holds an old photographic image and a mirror. Just below
the pincushion the top unscrews to reveal a mirror in the top half, and in the
bottom the facial image of a man. The glass
over the image is held in with a threaded ring which unscrews.It looks
to be Civil War era, and may have been made as a tribute to some fallen
hero or loved one. This unusual piece
stands just about 6" tall, and the pin cushion / image are is about 2" in diameter.
Unique!!!
Excellent . . . . .$395.00
SOLD!
2
Polished Steel & Wood Thread Winders / Spools These are about the
same size as each other but slightly different in makeup. The seamstress
or sewer would have these set up for large pieces of work to have a ready supply
of thread at hand for the project underway. These would date from the19th
century or before, and are very well done.
Very Good . . . . .$95.00 SOLD!
Antique
Clamp on Wooden Sewing Box / Pin Cushion w/ Decorated Thread Winders / Spools This would date from the early 20th
century and is very well done.
Very Good . . . . .$175.00 SOLD!
Cast
Iron Sewing Clamp / Third Hand This Antique
Victorian Era cast iron fabric holder / sewing clamp has a nice decorative casting. It is fully
functional and works well.
Good +. . . . . . $35.00
SOLD!!
Vintage & Antique Sewing Related Accesories
The
Victorian
Cast Iron 2-Tier Thread Stand This wonderful antique sewing accessory
combines elaborate Victorian design with practicality and function. The
only other example I have ever seen is pictured in Gay Ann Rogers An Illustrated
History of Needlework Tools (plate 133). With pins to hold 24 spools
of thread, a bottom tray to hold thimbles or needlework tools of any sort, and
a top piece that was most likely meant to be made into a pincushion, this gold-wash
over red and black painted cast iron thread stand is both fancy and functional.
It measures about 10" tall, and is a decorative way to store and display many
spools of colored thread.
Good + . . . . . $395.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Cast Iron Embroidery Hoop Clamp This is one of the neatest antique sewing
tools I have ever used! It clamps on to the edge of the table or the arm
of a chair and holds any size embroidery hoop, allowing for nearly infinite
adjustments of angle by means of a ball and socket joint. Once you use
one of these to hold your handwork you will wonder how you ever got along without
it! It is great looking and portable, so use it for quilting, cross-stitch,
embroidery, rug hooking, or whatever kind of needlework you do.
Good + . . . . . $95.00 SOLD!!
Pink
Glass Sock/Stocking Darner This 5 1/2" closed pontil example is a
lovely shade of pink, which probably would have photographed truer if I had
used a white background rather than the light blue one I chose.
Good + . . . . . $45.00 SOLD!!
19th
Century Lady's Antique Sewing "Purse"
This is an extremely unusual piece---a fabulous and elaborate little
purse, specially made for and outfitted with 19th century antique sewing and
needlework tools. My collector felt it was perhaps a seamstress' purse, or
a purse that a "lady's maid" might have carried when her "Lady" went visiting,
so that she could repair anything that might needed attention. It is
equally likely it was a fashion accessory, an object of decoration, carried by
an upper class woman, meant to be shown off and admired as much as used.
It is covered in what looks to be crocodile leather, with a sterling silver
frame, hallmark dated 1867,
London, England. The chain for the purse to hang from the waistband is
silver also. The silver clasp on the front of the bag is also hallmarked.
The interior is lined in blue silk and there are several sections for all the
tools to tuck into. There is a crochet hook handle in ivory/bone, an embroidery
stiletto, a small button hook, all with ivory/bone handles. And a very small
pencil. There is a small notebook covered in the blue silk which is unused, as
well as a silk needle holder and a small mirror. There is a sterling thimble
and a sterling tape measure holder, however, the blue measuring tape has fallen
out, but is in one of the pockets of the bag.
The condition is very good and I have never seen another one like it. This
piece is from an outstanding and long-time collection, and is not something that
is likely to come available again. My consigner stated that although "it
is not the most beautiful piece I have had, it is perhaps the most charming. I
have always been fond of it."
Highly recommended!
Good + . . . . . $795.00 SOLD!!
Bone
Tatting Shuttle and Bone Winder These two pieces date from an era when
sailors with too much time on their hands at sea would fashion needlework tools
out of available materials as gifts for their sweethearts at home. Both
of these pieces are bone. The tatter measures about 3 1/2" long and is
nicely crafted and in super condition with no dings or chips or flaws.
The winder is more crudely made but well thought out in design and fully intact.
These two needlework tools are ready to go back to work or on display.
Good + . . . . . $45.00 SOLD!!
Metal
"Three Feet-in-One" Shoe Sewing Tape Measure This humorous early 20th century
American-made figural metal tape measure is one in a series of five. This
example is in real nice condition---the tape pulls out and retracts as it should
and shows little sign of wear.
Good + . . . . . $95.00 SOLD!!
"Three Feet-in-One" Shoe Sewing Tape Measure This figural metal tape measure is one in a series of five. This
example is in real nice condition---the tape pulls out and retracts as it should
and shows little sign of wear.
Good + . . . . . $125.00 SOLD!!
Figural
Hat Sewing Tape Measure This figural metal tape measure is one in a series of five. This
example is in real nice condition---the tape pulls out and retracts as it should
and shows little sign of wear.
Good + . . . . . $145.00 SOLD!!
Figural
Sewing Tape Measure This figural metal tape measure is one in a series of five. This
example is in real nice condition---the tape pulls out and retracts as it should
and shows little sign of wear.
Good + . . . . . $125.00 SOLD!!
Scissor This pair of rare scissors shows little sign of wear.
Good + . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!!
Ruby Red Glass Sock or Stocking
Darner The shape of this one is really different!
How many times have you wondered how many of these pieces must have rolled off
the table and broken? The manufacturer of this 4 1/2" piece solved that
problem by designing a form with a flattened "head" to enable it to stand upright
on its own. My photo is a horrible depiction of the color, which is actually
a wonderfully vivid ruby red! If you are interested in it let me know
and I will get you a better photo.
Good + . . . . . $75.00 SOLD!!
Boye
Advertising Needle Case These can be found with or without the bottom
drawer. This one is chock full of bobbins needles and more.
Good + . . . . . $250.00 SOLD!!
2
Mechanical Clamp-on Pinking Machines Both are in nice condition. Both are
sharp and ready for use. The one on the left cuts a simple zigzag but
the cutting wheel is not terribly sharp and you have to crank down the tension
all the way to get it through cotton fabric---not one you are going to be able
to use on felt or heavy fabrics. The one on the right cuts a fancier triple
scalloped zigzag design and should be able to handle most any job.
Good + . . . . . $195.00 SOLD!!
Good + . . . . . $175.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Shaker-Style Thread Holding BoxThis combination pincushion / thread holder / sewing box is clean and
simple in appearance, with just three thread gimlets on the
front and one on each side. Very classy and in really nice condition!
Good + . . . . . $125.00 SOLD!!
Early
Inlaid Walnut Thread Stand / Pincushion
This antique spool holder is nicely crafted with inlaid strips of
contrasting wood, a rounded front drawer, and spool pins made from unusual nails
that have rounded raised heads, which I believe are original to it. The
box portion measures about 4 1/2" square, and it stands 7" tall to the top of
the pincushion.
Good + . . . . . $95.00 SOLD!!
Colonial
Lady Ceramic Sewing Tape Measure
Marked "15602 Germany".
Good + . . . . . $50.00 SOLD!!
Man
with Fly on Head Sewing Tape Measure
Hair parted in the middle and a fly on his head! German porcelain, and very hard to
find!
Good + . . . . . $75.00 SOLD!!
Antique
Folding Sterling Silver Scissors The handles are marked "sterling". Very unusual and in fine
condition! Be sure to look at all the pictures.
Good + . . . . . . . . $125.00
SOLD!
Matching Pair of Antique Scissors in Case Marked "LaCross" and "Schnefel Bros. Germany". There
is a bit of corrosion on the larger pair that will clean.
Good . . . . . . . . $40.00 SOLD!!
Matching Pair of Antique Scissors in Case
Figural handles are a pair of stylized swans. Marked "Wilhelm
Hasselbach Solingen" and "Germany".
Good . . . . . . . . $30.00 SOLD!!
N.
Y. Pressing Iron Co. Pinking Machine
This fabric pinking machine has been cleaned up and is ready to go.
The previous own has fashioned a brass guard over the gears that is not
original. All the rest is good noting some missing nickel.
Cast
Iron Figural Swan Head Sewing Clamp
This is a very interesting
looking small sewing clamp that has a lot of character. It is only about
3" tall and is finished in a gold wash. The casting is very nice, and the beaded
decoration at the base is a nice touch. It looks a lot like a swan
head, and the lower part of the jaw swings in and is spring loaded to grip the
fabric. It works well.
Antique
Rosewood Sewing Clamp Pincushion
