First time at auction…

Northwestern Europe, England, Medieval & Viking to Elizabethan Period, ca. 10th to 17th century CE. An interesting collection of bronze, iron, and brass tools- bodkins, needles, pin, and quill pen! The longest brass object is a very early example of an ink pen- the split nib tip has a hollow area that then tapers to narrow tip. There are 6 needles or bodkins- a bodkin was multifunctional, they threaded the cords of corsets or other garments, but also acted like needles. Included is a bodkin with a scoop at the tip, which was used to collect earwax, the wax was then used to smooth frayed threads and yarn! The larger and thicker needles were not only for cloth but could also be used for leatherworking and tasks such as sail making. Size of pen: 5.75" L x 0.2" W (14.6 cm x 0.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#159925

Surface wear commensurate with age, use, and exposure to elements, and bending to forms. Iron needle has a heavy patina and losses to surface layers. Some cleaning to patina on other tools. Overall a great assortment!