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Antique “lace boxes” were luxury items, made during the late 1600s early 1700s. Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 fashions in the English court became extravagant and imported luxury textiles became highly desirable among wealthy households. These highly decorative, lace boxes were very popular and were used to store and protect fine lace, ribbons, sewing trims, collars, gloves, handkerchiefs, and other delicate textiles. The term' Lace Box' was used as many

This is a very interesting box on many levels. Firstly it's a Tunbridge Ware box, painted to simulate rosewood. On the lid of the box is a picture of a building which says on the building 'Wise Manufactory". The Wise family were among the earliest and most significant makers of Tunbridge Ware, working first in Tonbridge from the mid-18th century. The founder was George Wise (1703–1779), later followed by his son Thomas and nephew George. Their workshop became known as “Wise’

Goosewing knitting sheaths form a distinctive and fascinating category within the wider world of knitting sheaths. They are instantly recognisable by their broad, flattened, curved blade, a shape that is far from purely decorative. Unlike some other types, this group of sheaths was probably not used with a cow band, but instead held under the arm while knitting. The flare and curve of the blade helped stabilise the sheath against the body, improving both control and speed, an

This snuff box has many attributes including the fantastic details and depth of the carving, the silver plaque inside with and inscription, given by the daughter of the 1st Duke of Cleveland to Rev. Stubbs. and finally it is also by a known maker Ferdinand Stromburg. An Exceptional Snuff Box Depicting a Fiddler given as a present by the daughter of the !st Duke of Cleveland. This beautifully carved snuff box of a cobbler playing his fiddle is by Ferdinand Stromburg. The ca

The majority of straw splitters, as discussed below were the paddle type and were very important in transforming the straw goods industry. However the little straw splitters pictured above, are incredibly rare finds. There is a wooden heart, with 3, 5 and 6 piece fins/cutters all in wood, a book with initials and date and a cutter/fin for 5 and 7 pieces. Also a small wooden barrel with a wooden fin/cutter for 5 pieces. These little pieces from the straw splitting industry are

Here is a really top quality London rosewood letter box, dating from around 1820, with the makers name engraved on the inside. The box...

In the world of antique needlework tools, few items capture both artistry and utility as elegantly as the sewing stiletto. The two...

This rare, small-sized Negus strainer dates back to the latter part of the 1700s, a time when Negus was a widely enjoyed warm beverage....

What was the function of these small carved boards used in the making of lace? They had several uses, firstly as the name suggest they...

This is a very good example of a 19th century knitting sheath in lovely condition and with many features.Firstly it is inlaid with...