M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS

 

 

TWO JAMES I ENGRAVED SILVER BODKINS
Each With An Ear Spoon, England, c1620

 

 

 

A bodkin is a needle like tool that was used for pulling tape or ribbon through a series of loops.

17th century clothing was often joined by such as ribbons or leather straps.
Bodkins were personal, often carried on the person, and passed through the generations.
The word "bodkin" in earlier centuries also referred to sharp instruments, as stilettos,
daggers, and pointed hair ornaments.

 
Waxing of threads and ribbons enabled them move to more easily through openings.
It also prevented threads from raveling. Waxed threads are still desirable for needlework today.

 
Most bodkins of this period are unmarked. Most bodkins are also of a lighter gauge silver.

 

Ref : Antiques Needlework Tools and Embroideries, Taunton, P. 15 & p. 99


 

 

 

Upper Example :

 

Of very heavy gauge silver, in the usual elongated flat tapering blunt needle form
with wide open slot below a smaller round "Celtic eye" opening and scooped ear (wax) spoon,
decorated to each side in the geometric Stuart style,
the shaft dot-pricked with the original owner's initials FW;
excellent color and patination; slight bend to the shaft from thumb/finger positioning;
unmarked

 
6" Long / .5 oz

 

SOLD

 

#7192

 

Please Inquire

 

 


 

Lower Example with B Mark
in a sheild or rectangular punch

 

 

 

Of very heavy gauge silver, in the usual elongated flat tapering blunt needle form,
with wide open slot below a smaller round "Celtic eye" opening and scooped ear (wax) spoon,
decorated to each side in the geometric Stuart style, the shaft with scratch-engraved original owner's initials DM;
excellent color and patination; slight bend to the shaft from thumb/finger positioning;
maker's mark B in a shield or rectangle

 
5.75" Long / .4 oz

 

SOLD

 

#7191

 

Please Inquire

 

 


 

 

 

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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581 South Perkins Road /  Memphis, TN 38117 / USA /  Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment

 


 

 

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Two James I Engraved Silver Bodkins with Ear Spoons, England, c1620