Vegetable ivory became a popular substance to use for needlework tools c 1860, it was very suitable for lathe turning and cheaper than ivory. Combining the cotton reel with a pincushion created a convenient tool to display and use. Presence of the wooden cotton reel dated 1863 tells of an early cotton reel, and that the piece was used.Vegetable ivory was a substitute for elephant ivory, this standing compendium was an useful item for display. Unusual to have a wooden cotton reel with a name and date. Standing thistle shaped carved vegetable ivory combined cotton reel holder and pincushion with bone spindle and worn red velvet pincushion. Cotton reel on it is a replacement and has cotton on it. Base of cotton reel in indian ink: "Gina Pipe, May 15th, 1863"reel, vegetable ivory