Antique Tunbridge Ware Pincushion Isle of Thanet Map Georgian Pinwheel Circa 1830s

We are excited to be able to offer you the opportunity to acquire this very rare early 19th century pincushion. This comes from the collection of one of the UK's foremost Tunbridge ware collectors. This is the perfect addition to your discerning antique pincushion collection. You can imagine the pleasure gained back in 1830 from the original owner who bought this sewing memento as a reminder of their travels to this fascinating and most historical area of Great Britain.

Dating from the 1830s period and English in origin. This early whitewood pin wheel was made by one of the Tunbridge ware makers of Kent, England. Complete with its original green silk suspension ribbon, this small circular pin cushion has two different faces sandwiched by its matching original green silk infill (where the pins would be inserted).

One side features a rare tiny map of the ancient Isle of Thanet, Kent. This is a peninsula on the eastern most side of the county of Kent, England. This whole area was once an island, separated from the mainland by a channel of navigable water called The Wantsum Channel. By the 1500's the channel gradually silted up and the Isle once again became part of the mainland. The area has rich archaeological evidence dating it back to the stone age. It has been linked to Julius Caesars landing at Pegwell Bay (seen on our map). The Vikings overwintered here during their raids on Great Britain during the 9th century. Mentioned in the 11th century Domesday Book are the area's abbeys. After the opening of the railways in the 1840s the area became a popular Victorian tourist destination. The towns of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs are now still just as popular for tourists, they can be clearly seen on the little map.

To the reverse is a orange printed typical early Tunbridge motto found on many of their 1800 to 1820 treen wares:

'This Margate Gift I Beg You'll Take, And Keep it For The Donors sake'

Size: 2 inch diameter (5 cm). Incl silk suspension 13 inch (33 cm).

Condition: Good and strong. Silk age darkened but sturdy. Minor surface wear to Map.

Item id:15447