A Needle

A. G. Maisey · 11th December 2016, 12:32 AM

Does anybody have any idea at all what this is?

I do not know.

It looks like a bag needle, just a little under 6" long, however, it is far too elegant to sew up bags of wheat.

The hilt is agate, the ferrule and tang rivet plate are both high content silver, the patina suggests at least 18th century.

Suggestions?

Anandalal N. · 11th December 2016, 03:30 AM

Hi Alan,

A. G. Maisey · 11th December 2016, 03:38 AM

Thanks for your thought, but no.

I have a relative who collects hair pins, and this is nothing like those.

In fact, when I first saw this, before I handled it, I thought it was a weapon, something like a bodkin, then when I saw the square slot --- I guess to accept thread --- I thought it might be a needle. It is quite robust.

Anandalal N. · 11th December 2016, 03:40 AM

Yes. in any event the head looks too heavy to stay in place.

A. G. Maisey · 11th December 2016, 04:32 AM

Yeah, far too heavy for a hairpin

Battara · 11th December 2016, 06:20 AM

Could it be for stitching leather?

11th December 2016, 12:32 AM	#1
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	A Needle Does anybody have any idea at all what this is? I do not know. It looks like a bag needle, just a little under 6" long, however, it is far too elegant to sew up bags of wheat. The hilt is agate, the ferrule and tang rivet plate are both high content silver, the patina suggests at least 18th century. Suggestions? Attached Images

11th December 2016, 03:30 AM	#2
Anandalal N. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 84	Hi Alan,

11th December 2016, 03:38 AM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	Thanks for your thought, but no. I have a relative who collects hair pins, and this is nothing like those. In fact, when I first saw this, before I handled it, I thought it was a weapon, something like a bodkin, then when I saw the square slot --- I guess to accept thread --- I thought it might be a needle. It is quite robust.

11th December 2016, 03:40 AM	#4
Anandalal N. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 84	Yes. in any event the head looks too heavy to stay in place.

11th December 2016, 04:32 AM	#5
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,892	Yeah, far too heavy for a hairpin

11th December 2016, 06:20 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Could it be for stitching leather?