ORIGINAL PACKET OF 1857 DATED SEWING NEEDLES –
TYPE SOLD ON THE FRONTIER TO SETTLERS, SOLDIERS AND
TRADED TO THE INDIANS: This packet of sewing
needles, dated 1857, was manufactured by the Milward
Company in England. The well established manufacturing
centers of England continued to export items such as
needles, cutlery, and other finely made goods to North
America throughout the 19TH Century. These
needles would have been carried in the inventory of
mercantile stores in the towns throughout the frontier,
post sutlers on the army posts, and by traders working
among the various Indian tribes throughout the west.
This packet was found in a tin box containing Italian
seed beads which was obtained many years ago on one of
the northern plains Indian reservations. This
particular size, “Sharps 12”, was the proper size to
work with the Italian seed beads traded to the Indians
in the last half of the 19TH Century. No
doubt the tin of beads and this packet of needles were
treasured possessions of a Native American woman and the
contents had been used to decorate her family’s clothing
and implements.
The packet, measuring 1 ¼” long and 5/16” wide, retains
both fully legible labels and the outer and inner
wrappers are full form with very minor wear along the
edges. The packet contains a significant number of
needles, though it is likely some were used by the
original owner.
A nice piece to display with your military insignia or
uniforms, or along side an attractive piece of early
beadwork, this needle packet will add an unusual
dimension to your collection. (1105) $50
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