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1/27/2015

Mystery tools identified.

Sally Grant asked me last fall if I'd help her identify something in a box of odds and ends that had been passed down in her family...   She had absolutely no idea what it was or what it was used for..  It took us a while to connect but I could tell her exactly what it was..


























It was a set of sterling silver ribbon bodkins.  And I could tell her how they were used and offered to find a approximate value for it.

She had no idea who the set had originally belonged to and could not even remember anyone in her entire family doing any sewing or handwork.




Even the original case is in fairly good shape considering that it is over 100 years old.














I did find this set on ebay for $383 and found two others not as ornate as Sally's in the $100-$200 range.  She is going to pass it along to her granddaughter and is delighted to have all the research to go with it..





AND...


in the process of looking for bodkins in antique sewing tools, I found a treasure for myself.  It is an antique measuring gauge with a sterling silver handle...and the price was barely more than buying a modern one... And it will be perfect for ribbon folding..  It does have an M monogramed on it which probably kept the price down but my middle name is Margaret.....and my mother's middle name is Margaret and my grandmother's name was Margaret.  And my granddaughter is Madison...  It  is about 100 years old also.....

9 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 27, 2015 at 10:46 PM

    What beautiful treasures, both the ribbon bodkins and the measuring gauge. Now you need to make a special crazy quilted holder for your measuring gauge with a beautiful monogrammed M on it. Cindy R. :-)

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  2. DebJanuary 28, 2015 at 4:37 AM

    What a wonderful discovery for Ms. Grant and a great heirloom to pass down. Your find was great as well and should bring you years of good use. I love rescuing forgotten needlework tools.

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  3. MarilynJanuary 28, 2015 at 5:47 AM

    Very cool bodkin set. And obviously the gauge was meant to be yours with so many "M's" in your family :).

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  4. DebbieJanuary 28, 2015 at 7:04 AM

    Those are just beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Pamela KelloggJanuary 28, 2015 at 1:23 PM

    Oh what beautiful tools! And so fascinating. I love the history of anything, esp. sewing things so this caught my eye. I think I'll mention it on my blog today!

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  6. Suzie in IdahoJanuary 28, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    This whole post is just awesome!! Love how simple tools were made to look so lovely. Congrats on your lovely find as well. Suzie in Idaho

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  7. CreateologyJanuary 28, 2015 at 3:18 PM

    I am smitten with antique sewing tools and these are extraordinary. I actually knew about ribbon bodkins from my Grandma teaching me. Of course we had no such finery in our tools. Your new antique measurer is lovely! Creative Ribbon Tools Bliss...

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  8. LinJanuary 29, 2015 at 12:44 AM

    What gorgeous tools - something to look out for. Thank you for sharing this.

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  9. Mosaic MagpieJanuary 30, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    Sally Grant is as cute as button! What a nice heirloom she has and with your help knows the use and value. The piece you found is so interesting....now you have given me something else to look for on antiquing jaunts.
    Deb

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