Antique Treen Goose Wing Knitting Stick Love Token or Knitting Sheath Dated 1872 English

We are delighted to have discovered for our knitting tool collectors this gorgeous 1872 made treen wood knitting stick, sometimes called a knitting sheath. Such an item was an indispensable tool for many households in 18th and 19th century Great Britain. They are a fantastic piece of social history.

Of course humans have been wearing knitted clothing for thousands of years. Each family would have someone who could knit clothing. But during the 18th and 19th centuries when times were particularly tough, an extra income could be gained by knitting clothing and selling it. Women and children, yes we have seen child knitting sticks, who were at home with the family utilised this opportunity to contribute to the family income.

Knitting sticks had a hole at the top to hold a double end knitting needle. You would place one of your needles in your stick, tuck the rest of the stick in your waistband and you basically had a spare hand. This allowed for people to knit on the go, still having the use of a spare hand to do other tasks. Knitting sticks were hand carved from fruitwoods and hedgerow woods, wood that was easily accessible. There were varying designs to the sticks, some popular by town or region. Therfopre you will never find two the same.

Our treen knitting stick is in the Goose Wing shape which was popular in the Cumbria area of England. You can see the beautiful grain of the fruitwood in the main body, the top of the stick where the needle sits is made from a different turned wood. The curved body is highly decorated with inlaid initials, date and symbols. We see the initials M.B the year 1872 and a love heart, dice and diamond. Made as a gift given to a loved one. Perhaps the symbols indicate that the recipient enjoyed a game of cards, or a deeper meaning signifying that all love is a risk/gamble.

Size: 8 1/8 tall (21 cm)

Condition: Very good, a beautifully tactile item of antique treen. A string handle allows for wall display on your wall, or fireplace.

Item id:16519