Product Details

This beautiful antique darning egg features a smooth black ebonized wooden egg mounted to an elaborately decorated sterling silver handle. The handle has raised floral and scroll ornament, beaded borders, and a beautifully aged dark patina that highlights the intricate design. The sterling mark is present along the narrow portion of the handle near the wooden egg but is heavily worn from age and use and is difficult to photograph clearly. The wear is entirely consistent with a sewing implement that was held and used for generations. Darning eggs were placed inside stockings or socks to provide a firm curved surface over which holes could be rewoven by hand. More elaborate examples such as this one transformed an everyday household sewing tool into a beautiful personal accessory. Based on the form, materials and comparable examples, this piece appears to date to the late Victorian/turn-of-the-century period, approximately 1890–1910. The black wooden egg shows age-related surface wear, and the sterling handle retains its old patina. Please see photographs for condition. I have intentionally left the silver unpolished. Features: • victorian, antique Size: 5.5