Cast silver wax holder in shape of a small walnut. Identical halves of nut are attached at one end and partially open at the other. Interior is filled with beeswax for drawing thread through, and multiple score marks are evident in wax. Hanging ring at fixed end.
This needlework roll or "Housewife" is a handmade pieced storage case having five pockets of four diffferent cotton prints sewn onto one side of a length of fabric. Outer fabric is a polka dot print on blue. Bound with a 1/4" wide cotton binding of a floral print on white ground.
Several small holes and weak spots, especially in blue print.. Splits in the lower red pocket. Areas of strong soiling, especially on binding and the upper red pocket.
Object ID
2015.999.18
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.