This is a very good example of a 19th century knitting sheath in lovely condition and with many features.
Firstly it is inlaid with diamonds on the front in ebony and holly wood. It is also inlaid on the back with further diamonds.
The knitting sheath has three glazed windows behind one it says''Seek the lord'' hand written
There is also behind the second glazed window in cut out paper with a pink lining the name Hannah Milburn and in the third glazed window the name James Soulsby.
This was probably made as a love token or wedding present with the two names and numerous diamond inlays a symbol of love, and the religious inscription.
The sheath measures 15.5cm l.
Possible provenance - In my research I found a James and Hannah Soulsby who lived in Durham, where this knitting sheath would have come from.James Soulsby was born in 1845 in Hebburn, Durham, England. His birth was registered in 1845 in the South Shields Union district. In the 1861 census James (age 15) was
...described as a Scholar, and was the son of Joseph Soulsby in Colliery Houses, Seaton Burn, Weetslade, Tynemouth, Northumberland, England. In the 1891 census James (age 45), was described as an engineer, and was then married to Hannah, he was the head of household and lived at 62, Mc Intyre Street, Hedworth Monkton and Yarrow, South Shields, Durham, England. Hannah was born in Durham and her birth was registered in 1850 in the Houghton Le Spring Union district. In the 1891 census Hannah (age 40) was described as the wife of James Soulsby . They lived at 62, Mc Intyre Street, Hedworth Monkton and Yarrow, South Shields, Durham, England. In the 1901 census Hannah (age 50) was the widowed head of household and lived at 44, Clayton Street, Jarrow, South Shields, Durham, England.
Own a piece of history
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1118412
Dateline of this antique is 19th Century
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