Two thin sheets of torpedo-shaped ivory-colored bakelite/celluloid are joined by a small block of the same material at their centers. The ends of both sides curve towards each other, closing and touching at their end points. Shuttle is designed for loading with thread by wrapping thread around center block. One of pointed ends has a thin pointed tip that protrudes 3/8" in length.
Stamped "BUCILLA/ REG.U.S.PAT.OFF." on both sides of shuttle. Bucilla is a sewing supply company formed in 1867 with headquarters in Hazelton, PA. The internet lists many examples made of plated brass, bone, horn, etc.
Provenance
Collected by Lillian Hollings Kiker, born to Scottish Americans who lived in New Jersey. Born (1912) and lived in New Jersey, last of Egg Harbor, she was active with quilting, sewing, knitting & crocheting. Collection inherited by donor when her mother passed away.
Copper sculpting/modeling tool hand fashioned to create a flattened, spoon-like handle leading to a rounded shank ending in another flattened end bent at the tip to create a short 1/2" extension bent to nearly a right angle for working in clay or plaster. End is squared off. Crude but effective tool for sculpting bears marks of hammering, especially underside of flattened handle. Used by Lloyd Mifflin. Tool presumed to have been fashioned by Lloyd Mifflin himself from a length of copper. Provenance: Mifflin to the Minnich sisters to the groundskeeper at Norwood to donors.
