Tool - Bone thread reels, 1830-1870

Historical information

Threads were spun at home or sold in skeins prior to the production of thread supplied wound on reels. The threads were often stored on reels and those with decorated tops such as this were made for fitted workboxes

Significance

Decorative bone reels were made for fitted work boxes which were status needlework possessions.

Physical description

two bone thread reels with carved tops with holes at centre to fit tubular column poles which screw into both ends

Inscriptions & markings

Tops carved with classic circular pattern.Bottoms plain

Subjects

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