Wonderful c. Mid 19th Century Whaler Made Scrimshaw Ladies Leg Bodkin theorem embroidery nearly black color adding interest

nearly black color adding interest to the lid

Published by the Central Office of the Epworth League (a  Methodist young adult association formed in Cleveland in 1889) Fifty Social Evenings was written to help the league's department of social work in their efforts "to make league socials bright

light craquelure and a minor rust here and there

Medium in size--8" across and 3 3/8" tall--it's in good condition

really)  all over his back

Wonderful c. Mid 19th Century Whaler Made Scrimshaw Ladies Leg Bodkin theorem embroidery nearly black color adding interestI splurged a bit on this one by my standards, purchased from an longtime New England dealer, but I didn't think twice: what a wonderful example of a folk art scrimshaw bodkin, which would have been made by a whaler sailor as a gift to bring home to a sweetheart. Bodkins were once common implements, used for making lace, threading ribbon or cord through fabric casings necklines, waistbands, etc and more. I've seen some fancy ones around these parts,