A lathed wood pin cushion that was made in the 19th century.
The pedestal and flared base are formed from a solid block of wood using a lathe, showing characteristic Victorian-era ridges and rings. The rounded, dome-shaped cushion nestled inside the top cup features a dark. Velvet-like fabric. Such cushions are typically stuffed with wool, sawdust, or emery to hold sewing needles and pins securely while keeping them clean.
Unlike clamp-on sewing birds or table clamps, this free-standing design relies on a wide, heavy circular base to stay stable on a sewing table.
The words “Liberty NY.” are written in black on the middle of the base.
MEASUREMENTS
4 in (10.2 cm) diameter x 3 ½ in (8.9 cm) tall. Weighs 3.7 oz.
CONDITION
There is a chip on the rim of the cushion, and significant wear from use and age on the cushion itself. It looks like it is soiled. There is wear to the wood surface and along the edge of the step in the base the finish has fine bubbles.
A charming and tactile piece of 19th-century history, this unique, locally marked pin cushion is a wonderful addition for collectors of antique sewing notions or early American treenware.