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ID #SA1112150
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Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850
Sold by Julie Cartwright Antiques
sold SA1112150
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Julie Cartwright Antiques

Julie Cartwright Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2009
Browse dealers 144 items
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Id #SA1112150
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Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850

19th century
Sold 25 May 2025 · Julie Cartwright Antiques
This “Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850” found a buyer.

It was listed by Julie Cartwright Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

This is a gorgeous example dating circa 1850. The bird has a textured body, the original velvet pin cushion emamating from a fluted column is a burgundy colour. The bird's mouth opens when you pinch the tail feathers allowing one to use the beak as a third hand.

Adjustable clamp with an engraved base.

Dimensions:

Total Height: 13.5cm / 5 inches.

Length beak to tail: 8cm / 3 inches

Condition:

Very good for age.

Base metal showing through at places.

Postage:

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD POSTAGE AT CHECKOUT.

Postage UK: £8 Special delivery next day.

Postage overseas: £20 International Signed For.

You can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque, debit or credit card.

To pay by PAYPAL please add P&P and click on button below.

To pay by credit or debit card over the phone or by cheque, please contact me on 01449 760 585.

Physical Dimensions
Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Declaration

Julie Cartwright Antiques has dated this Victorian Brass Hemming Bird to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112150
Dealers Internal Reference
DEC85
Description
This is a gorgeous example dating circa 1850.
“
The bird has a textured body, the original velvet pin cushion emamating from a fluted column is a burgundy colour.
Julie Cartwright Antiques

The bird's mouth opens when you pinch the tail feathers allowing one to use the beak as a third hand.

fig 1. A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem.
fig 1. Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850

Adjustable clamp with an engraved base.

Dimensions:

Total Height: 13.5cm / 5 inches.

Length beak to tail: 8cm / 3 inches

Condition:

Very good for age.

Base metal showing through at places.

Postage:

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD POSTAGE AT CHECKOUT.

fig 2. A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem.
fig 2. Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850

Postage UK: £8 Special delivery next day.

Postage overseas: £20 International Signed For.

You can pay by PayPal, bank transfer, cheque, debit or credit card.

To pay by PAYPAL please add P&P and click on button below.

To pay by credit or debit card over the phone or by cheque, please contact me on 01449 760 585.

Height
13cm (5.12")
Width
8cm (3.15")
Date of Manufacture

Julie Cartwright Antiques has dated this Victorian Brass Hemming Bird to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112150
Dealers Internal Ref
DEC85
Julie Cartwright Antiques
Julie Cartwright Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2009
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Julie Cartwright Antiques Profile Page

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A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Charming Victorian Gilded Metal Hemming Bird Sewing Clamp & Pin Cushion, Circa 1850

Archive II A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View II
Archive III A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View III
Archive IV A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View IV
Archive V A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View V
Archive VI A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View VI
Archive VII A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View VII
Archive VIII A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem. View VIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07947 998435
Location
Suffolk
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/jc
Verified Since Jun 2009
Items For Sale 144
Items Sold 2,226
Julie Cartwright Antiques
Julie Cartwright Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: Suffolk, United Kingdom
Verified
Jun 2009
For Sale
144
Sold
2,226
A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem.
CHARMING VICTORIAN GILDED METAL HEMMING BIRD SEWING CLAMP & PIN CUSHION, CIRCA 1850
Ref: SA1112150
A Victorian gilded brass hemming bird sewing clamp features an engraved table screw, a spring-loaded bird mechanism, and a red velvet pin cushion mounted on a twisted stem.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSewing Tools
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialBrass, Velvet
  • ColourGold
  • MotifsEngraved floral scrolls, Spring-loaded bird clamp, Twisted stem, Table screw mount
  • SizeH 13 cm (5 in) x W 8 cm (3 in)

Hemming birds, also known as sewing birds, became widely popular during the Victorian period as practical mechanical devices designed to hold fabric taut while sewing, hemming, or stitching.

These items were typically constructed from cast or stamped brass, often gilded, and featured a threaded table clamp, a spring-loaded beak mechanism operated by a thumb lever, and frequently an integrated velvet or wool pin cushion.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit period-appropriate casting techniques, hand-chased surface detailing, functional steel springs, and natural wear patterns consistent with nineteenth-century manufacturing and usage.

As small decorative objects, they can be displayed on bookshelves, mantelpieces, or desk surfaces to add an element of historical interest and textural metallic detail to a room.

Preservation involves dusting with a soft, dry cloth and avoiding chemical cleaners or metal polishes that can strip the historic patina or damage delicate fabric components.
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