Unusual Antique Sheathed Lace Pattern Pricker * English * Circa 1820

Description

Antique Sheathed Lace Pattern Pricker
English * Circa 1820
This unusual and early antique piece is
is smoothly carved of very clean bone* and
has a beautiful old patina and grain pattern
.
Inside is a
sharp steel pricker which appears through a hole in the end
when the red stained top is pushed down
. I've only seen one that was spring loaded like this once before.
It was used for "pricking" bobbin lace and embroidery patterns onto parchment. In the case of embroidery, colored chalk was then pressed onto the pattern leaving the dotted outline on the fabric.
The condition is excellent with no chips, cracks or other damage. It's in perfect working order and measures 2 3/4" long.
*This item is made of bone from a domestic cow (bovine) and not from an endangered species.
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that it is exactly as presented.
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