Sewing Birds Views
American Aesthetic movement sewing stand. This work table measures 36 inches high overall, 14 and one half inches deep, 14 and one half inches wide with hand made inserted tiles, birds eye maple interior, from American walnut.This is a very rare piece of American Aesthetic movement furniture. Made with superb craftsmanship c1880. Excellent original condition.To learn more about the Aesthetic movement which took place in America in the mid to late 19th century see Masterpieces of American Furniture From The Munson Williams Proctor Institute Distributed by Syracuse University Press c2000.
In America the first sewing birds were called grippers. Not used widely until mid-19th century, they became popular as a luxury item, which a young man would present to his intended bride months before the wedding. These were made in many varieties; birds with or without a pin cushion, on a spindle or not, deer, dogs, fish, frogs, snakes, dolphins, cherubs and people. Small thread winders, spool holders, netting hooks and rug braiders were also common.
I slipped spools of thread onto the receipt holder and pushed the cork bottle stopper down onto the sharp tip of the holder, then filling my sewing birds nest with needful supplies, like a mini scissor tucked under one wing (These were a gift from my sweet friend Pam and they are so sturdy and cut so well)...
We are currently selling a large & fine collection of vintage and antique figural sewing clamps / sewing birds. The clamps shown on this page as well as 50 or so additional examples are being offered for sale on our sister sales site www.Patented-Antiques.com. We also have many other vintage & antique sewing related accessories offered for sale there. Please visit that page.
Sewing Birds Images
