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Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance
Sold by Opus Antiques
sold SA1118412
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Opus Antiques

Opus Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2014
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    Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items
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Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance

19th century
Sold 16 January 2025 · Opus Antiques
This “Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance” found a buyer.

It was listed by Opus 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 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.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Treen Knitting Sheath to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1118412
Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description
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. 

fig 1. An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface.
fig 1. Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance

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.
Opus Antiques
fig 2. An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface.
fig 2. Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance

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.

Date of Manufacture

Opus Antiques has dated this Antique Treen Knitting Sheath to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1118412
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2014

Antique treen, boxes & decorative georgian items

Dealer Profile

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

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An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
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Archive I An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - Possible Provenance

Archive II An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. View II
Archive III An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. View III
Archive IV An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. View IV
Archive V An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. View V
Archive VI An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07941 285 532
Location
North Devon
United Kingdom
Verified Since Oct 2014
Items For Sale 99
Items Sold 2,403
Opus Antiques
Opus Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: North Devon, United Kingdom
Verified
Oct 2014
For Sale
99
Sold
2,403
An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface.
Antique Treen Knitting Sheath - possible provenance
Ref: SA1118412
An antique wooden knitting sheath featuring inlaid geometric patterns and glazed viewing windows on a pale neutral surface.
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Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Objects
  • Period19th century
  • StyleFolk Art
  • MaterialHardwood, Bone, Straw
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsGeometric inlay, Glazed viewing panels, Hand-carved contours

A knitting sheath is a traditional domestic tool used historically to support one needle under the arm while working on hand-knitted items, particularly in northern England and Scotland.

They were predominantly hand-carved from various local hardwoods and fruitwoods, frequently incorporating inlaid decorations, bone, horn, or straw-work.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit hand-tool marks, natural patina, wear consistent with age, and traditional regional design characteristics rather than modern machine tooling.

These small folk art objects can be displayed on small occasional surfaces or within curio cabinets, adding historical texture and a point of conversational interest to a room.

Treen should be kept away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations, requiring only occasional dusting with a dry, soft cloth and sparing application of neutral wax if necessary.
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