BYRD FAMILY, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUE 10K GOLD AND SILVER SEWING / NEEDLEWORKING ARTICLES, LOT OF THREE,comprising an unmarked silver chatelaine clip with engraved decoration including a cornucopia holding foliage to front and "M.E. Byrd" to back, possibly for Margaret Elizabeth Byrd (1829-1862) but unconfirmed; a gold thimble testing as 10K gold fineness by Simons Brothers of Philadelphia, PA with personalized engraving of "R.T.B. 1919" for Rosalie Teresa Brock Byrd (1898-1980); and a sterling silver tatting shuttle with engraved decoration to one side featuring a center "B" initial, this comes with a hand-written note that reads, "When I was a very young girl [I] had my first trip to Wash. I saw 'Ben-Hur', my first stage performance, I bought this sterling tatting shuttle at Galts Jewelry store for my grandmother who tatted a lot. Galts at that time was owned + operated by Mrs. Galt who later became the 2nd Mrs. Wilson (Woodrow). It was + still is Wash's best jewelry store. RBB". Clip of unknown silver fineness / metal content, thimble with maker's mark and tested for gold fineness, shuttle marked "STERLING". Total weight of thimble: 2.6 grams; total weight of tatting shuttle: 0.210 ozt. Together with a silver-toned metal knee buckle accompanied by a note titled "For [Wm?] H. Byrd Junior from his Dad" that reads, "Colonial Knee Buckle This was worn by great, great, Grandfather Andrew Byrd in the 1760's. Emma had intended having it converted to a brooch but was advised by Frank Taliaferro not to have it altered.", but the buckle likely dates later than 1760s. Four pieces total. 19th and early 20th century.Chatelaine clip 2 1/2" HOA, 1" WOA.
Provenance: From the John H. and Joan S. Byrd estate collection, Harrisonburg, VA.