38 Collecting Silver Pin Cushions


thimbles, needle cases, bodkin holders and, of course, pin cushions. Gentle woman have been taught to sew from a very early age originally for purely domestic purposes but, from the 18th century onwards, for more decorative


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purposes as well. Samplers and silk work pictures became fashionable and needle craft was seen not only as a necessity but an essential part of a woman’s education. Once sewing was seen as fashionable it


wasn’t long before the accessories also became decorative as well as functional. The heyday for the pin cushion stretched from the mid-19th century through to Edwardian times. Animals were always a popular subject and pin cushions in the form of pigs, swans, elephants and chicks appear to have been the most numerous. Other


ne of the largest areas for silver collectors’ is sewing accoutrements;


Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood Okehampton Street, Exeter. EX4 1DU Tel: 01392 413100 www.bhandl.co.uk


rarer examples include cats, frogs, hares, hedgehogs, foxes and even bears. Amongst the top manufacturers of these wares were the like of Sampson Morden & Co. in London, Levi & Salaman working in Birmingham and Henry Matthews also working in Birmingham. These pin cushions were normally formed out of thin sheet silver, filled with sand and given a velvet cover. As with all collectable silver, the small amount of silver used does not reflect in the high prices these pieces attain. The illustrated bear pincushion has probably less than a troy ounce of silver in it and its scrap value would be under £25, but it will fetch in the region of £500-700. Which is quite remarkable for the amount of silver involved. Many of the


pincushions will realise


over £100 each and some a great deal more. Ah, but that’s the


fun of collecting pincushions!


ANTIQUES VALUATIONS


One of our valuers will be in your area to undertake home visits


To make an appointment please telephone


01392 413100


A Victorian black marble and Italian inlaid marble games table (top showing) Sold for £6,200


St. Edmund’s Court, Okehampton Street, Exeter. EX4 1DU T: 01392 413100 W: www.bhandl.co.uk


E: enquiries@bhandl.co.uk


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