Antique Victorian Sailors Valentines Shellwork Anchor Pin Cushion
Antique British Sailor's Shellwork Valentine Anchor Pin Cushion C. 1900.
Very charming and decorative display piece.
Wall hanging hook to reverse.
22 x 18 cm.
This beautiful pin cushion in the shape of an anchor harks back to a time when naval and merchant sailors would have taken great risks in going to sea, and often spending long periods of time away from their loved ones. Painstakingly hand made by sailors and presented to their sweethearts, pin cushions were often given as a love token and their creation would have helped pass the long hours at sea.
These pin cushions were often made in the shape of a heart or simple rectangular shape, and thus the present example being in the shape of an anchor is more unusual and therefore particularly desirable. The anchor is an obvious symbol of the sea, but also a symbol of security, steadfastness, hope.
The outline of the anchor in the present example has been decorated with beautiful mother of pearl shells, and filled with intriguing shells of varying shapes and sizes. At the centre of the anchor, is the pin cushion, in the shape of a heart. Predestined to be wounded with pins, the heart shaped cushion, is perhaps a symbol of heartache and invokes a sense of the anguish of separation felt by those whose loved ones were oceans apart.
This sentimental object is a wonderful example of folk art, and offers insight into a different time, when people used objects, rather than computers and telephones, to keep their relationships alive in the face of separation.
Antique British Sailor's Shellwork Valentine Anchor Pin Cushion C. 1900.
Very charming and decorative display piece.
Wall hanging hook to reverse.
22 x 18 cm.
This beautiful pin cushion in the shape of an anchor harks back to a time when naval and merchant sailors would have taken great risks in going to sea, and often spending long periods of time away from their loved ones. Painstakingly hand made by sailors and presented to their sweethearts, pin cushions were often given as a love token and their creation would have helped pass the long hours at sea.
These pin cushions were often made in the shape of a heart or simple rectangular shape, and thus the present example being in the shape of an anchor is more unusual and therefore particularly desirable. The anchor is an obvious symbol of the sea, but also a symbol of security, steadfastness, hope.
The outline of the anchor in the present example has been decorated with beautiful mother of pearl shells, and filled with intriguing shells of varying shapes and sizes. At the centre of the anchor, is the pin cushion, in the shape of a heart. Predestined to be wounded with pins, the heart shaped cushion, is perhaps a symbol of heartache and invokes a sense of the anguish of separation felt by those whose loved ones were oceans apart.
This sentimental object is a wonderful example of folk art, and offers insight into a different time, when people used objects, rather than computers and telephones, to keep their relationships alive in the face of separation.
Antique British Sailor's Shellwork Valentine Anchor Pin Cushion C. 1900.
Very charming and decorative display piece.
Wall hanging hook to reverse.
22 x 18 cm.
This beautiful pin cushion in the shape of an anchor harks back to a time when naval and merchant sailors would have taken great risks in going to sea, and often spending long periods of time away from their loved ones. Painstakingly hand made by sailors and presented to their sweethearts, pin cushions were often given as a love token and their creation would have helped pass the long hours at sea.
These pin cushions were often made in the shape of a heart or simple rectangular shape, and thus the present example being in the shape of an anchor is more unusual and therefore particularly desirable. The anchor is an obvious symbol of the sea, but also a symbol of security, steadfastness, hope.
The outline of the anchor in the present example has been decorated with beautiful mother of pearl shells, and filled with intriguing shells of varying shapes and sizes. At the centre of the anchor, is the pin cushion, in the shape of a heart. Predestined to be wounded with pins, the heart shaped cushion, is perhaps a symbol of heartache and invokes a sense of the anguish of separation felt by those whose loved ones were oceans apart.
This sentimental object is a wonderful example of folk art, and offers insight into a different time, when people used objects, rather than computers and telephones, to keep their relationships alive in the face of separation.
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All items are shipped from our London SE18 address. Or collection is possible most days by appointment.
Small to medium items that aren't fragile will be sent fully insured with Fedex to UK, EU and Rest of World.
We would recommend sending any extra fragile or very large items by van courier to UK addresses. We have also used reliable and affordable couriers for such items to most of the EU.
Large and fragile items can also be sent crated via shipping companies.
We can advise on the most cost effective, but also safe and reliable options, and also advise on import VAT charges to the EU (antiques and works of art over 100 years old are charged at a lower % tax to EU countries). There is currently no import VAT on antiques and works of art to the USA.
Most items are antique and fragile and some wear should be expected. Condition will be accurately reported in item descriptions.
Items are honestly & accurately described with clear photos. All sales are final, with no returns (unless misrepresented in the listing - any issues to be confirmed within one week of delivery).
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