This column first appeared in February 2012.
People often ask me the most common item that I find as I travel through Indianan helping people sell their antiques. There are several things that come to mind. Quilts and sets of Grandma’s china would definitely be on the list, as would old books and utility crocks. But if I look back over the past 20 years, the one item I would have to say surfaces most often is a treadle sewing machine.
While in some cases quite beautiful, most treadle machines are of minimal value. But don’t be to quick to kick great-grandma’s old Singer to the curb, as the true value may be found in the contents of the drawers.
Sewing as an art form has existed for over 20,000 years. The earliest needles being made of animal bones and the thread from animal sinew. Iron needles were invented in the 14th century and the first eyed needles in the 15th.
Needles, thimbles and needlework boxes from the 1800s and early part of the 1900s are highly sought by today’s collectors. Beaded satin pin cushions and blown glass darning eggs are among the more common finds. More rare are chatelaines — ornate broaches holding scissors and a needle cases — which are of considerable value even in modest condition.
Needlework books from the 1800s are gaining in interest, especially those with pictures of horses, children or fine Victorian ladies. Many of these have crossover appeal to the advertising collector due to the company logos and information contained on the back covers. Pin disks, pin cubes and other pin holders and pins are receiving attention as old sewing collectibles become more and more scarce.
Tape measures, especially Victorian figural ones, are bringing top dollar at auction. Watch for examples made from vegetable ivory, celluloid and other forms of early plastic. Very early wooden tape measures are surfacing with examples of Transfer ware and Tunbridge ware.
The Art Nouveau influence of the early 20th century is reflected in tatting shuttles from that era. They will be made from brass, bone, sterling or wood. These are easy to identify, even to the novice, because of their flowing geometric lines and the presence of either the female form or objects found in nature.
By 1920 American interest in needlework was on the decline. In an effort to regain sales, many companies offered sewing novelty items. Figural thimble holders and measuring tapes featuring animal likenesses are growing in popularity, especially if made of celluloid.
Little treasures often are found in the storage containers of a sewing room. Watch for thimbles, especially those that are sterling or gold, but beware that thimbles have been widely reproduced, so look for the maker’s mark and do your research. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com