Challenge #4 for the Historical Sew Fortnightly is done and I was looking through the entries and checking out the members websites and adding some of their favorite sites to my blog list, when I discovered Katie Jacobs' wonderful blog. In her tutorials section, she has posted about working the queen stitch and some lovely photos from the Winterthur collections. This got me started on pinballs and pincushions again. Most of these are functional, but the cushions that are decorated with pins are more in the way of being commemorative. They were often given as gifts to expectant or new mothers. Not giving the baby's name is an indication of how uncertain life, especially for babies and mothers, could be at that time. All of the following items are in the collections (on-line) of the Winterthur Museum in Winterthur, DE, USA. My apologies for the inconsistent grouping of the objects, I'm still trying to get the hang of posting. So, now for your further amusement and mine, here are some more ways to store your pins (and some other uses for the queen stitch), along with some other sewing tools (I'll do another post with knitting tools and personal items, at the Winterthur, at a later time):
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Tool (for sewing) (Sewing case)Museum Object Number
1986.0128 A
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing case)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Please Contact Winterthur Registrar's Office for Credit Line
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1850-1890
Subjects
Shaker
Materials
Leather; Silk; Wool
Dimensions (inches)
9.5 (L) , 4.62 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
24.13 (L) , 11.75 (W)
Tool (for sewing) (Pinking die)Museum Object Number
1981.0097
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Pinking die)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Russell Ward Nadeau, in memory of D. J. and Alice Shumway Nadeau
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Origin Notes
Origin probably England.
Date
1750-1800
Materials
Iron
Dimensions (inches)
3.25 (H) , 0.62 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
8.26 (H) , 1.59 (W)
Tool (for sewing) (Curved Needle)Museum Object Number
1981.0225
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Curved Needle)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Russell Ward Nadeau, in memory of D. J. and Alice Shumway Nadeau
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1890-1910
Materials
Iron
Dimensions (inches)
4.87 (L) , 0.12 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
12.38 (L) , 0.32 (Diam)
Tool (for sewing) (Needle)Museum Object Number
1981.0226
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Needle)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Russell Ward Nadeau, in memory of D. J. and Alice Shumway Nadeau
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1850-1900
Materials
Iron
Dimensions (inches)
5.12 (L) , 0.06 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
13.02 (L) , 0.16 (Diam)
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Tool (for sewing) (Thimble holder)Museum Object Number
1990.0054 A- C
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Thimble holder)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Please Contact Winterthur Registrar's Office for Credit Line
Place of Origin
Bilston, Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1760-1780
Materials
Enamel on copper; Brass; Paint
Techniques
Painted
Dimensions (inches)
1.969 (H) , 1.417 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5 (H) , 3.6 (Diam)
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Tool (for sewing) (Miniature thimble)Museum Object Number
2003.0013.142
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Miniature thimble)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Mrs. Helen Shumway Mayer
Creator (Role)
Derby Porcelain Works (Possible maker)
Place of Origin
Derbyshire, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1795-1805
Materials
Porcelain (bone china); Lead glaze
Techniques
Molded, Painted, Gilded
Dimensions (inches)
0.858 (H) , 0.76 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
2.18 (H) , 1.93 (Diam)
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Museum Object Number
1979.0020
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Thimble)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase in memory of Mrs. Wanda Guthrie
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1700-1750
Dimensions (inches)
0.81 (H) , 0.65 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
2.06 (H) , 1.67 (Diam)
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Tool (for sewing) (Pin paper)Museum Object Number
1962.0102
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Pin paper)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Rockwell Gardiner
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1730-1770
Materials
Paper; Iron
Dimensions (inches)
2.25 (H) , 5.75 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.72 (H) , 14.61 (W)
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Pincushion (Needle case)Museum Object Number
1957.0083.005
Name
Pincushion (Needle case)
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1775-1800
Materials
Silk; Canvas
Dimensions (inches)
1.12 (H) , 2.75 (W) , 2.25 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
2.86 (H) , 6.99 (W) , 5.72 (D)
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Pincushion
1958.2235
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
Bath, England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1749
Materials
Silk
Dimensions (inches)
1.62 (H) , 2 (W) , 1.75 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
4.13 (H) , 5.08 (W) , 4.45 (D)
Pinball/pincushion, cube shaped, knit in fine gauge, two shades (medium golden-brown and pale ecru) of silk, eight-pointed star with dicing forming the triangles at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, diamond at center with "BaTH (above), E (left), D (right), and 1749 (below) the diamond, corners are rounded by decreases, and the two halves joined, most likely stuffed with sawdust, join is covered by a peach silk/satin ribbon, tacked in place with long ends stitched together where they meet at the top
It appears that the portion covered by the ribbon may have been formed by picking up stitches along the outer edges of the front and knit toward the back, to be joined with the back. The join in the knitting may have been accomplished by a three needle cast off ( a common way of joining the under-heel stitches of stockings in the period), weaving together (known today as the kitchener stitch, or simply whip-stitched together. The back doesn't show in the image posted on Winterthur's site, so it is not clear whether the back is an exact match, similar but lacking the inscription, or a different design within the eight-pointed star. It is clear in the image shown that the eight-pointed star and dicing are repeated on the back.
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Pincushion
1958.1581
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Materials
Wool; Cotton
Dimensions (inches)
2.25 (H) , 6 (W) , 6.75 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.72 (H) , 15.24 (W) , 17.15 (D)
Pincushion, needlepoint in wool on coarse, evenweave cotton (more likely linen), unusual shape, geometric design on front of cushion, some areas without stitching; floral design on back, small worn or torn area reveals cloth underneath, suggesting that the needlepoint layer is a cover to a separate bag of stuffing (this inner layer appears to be cotton, possibly stuffed with sawdust), initials "S I" and date "1776" on front
For some unknown reason, the museum record lists this pincushion as "undated," but the year 1776 is clearly visible.
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Pincushion
1952.0087
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1777
Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label
1. ; On front of cushion; "GOD BLES THE BABE/ 1777"
Materials
Silk; Linen; Metal
Dimensions (inches)
5.7 (L) , 4.7 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
14.5 (L) , 11.9 (W)
Pincushion, rectangular, linen bag with silk fringe and tassels on all four corners, design formed by insertion of three sizes of tinned brass pins, oval frame of center medallion is formed by medium and large pins pushed in at an angle, leaving a portion of the body of the pin exposed, corners are filled by loosely placed, angled pins of small and medium sizes, inserted so very little of the pin body shows, center medallion of a doubled-lined heart, with initials "A M M" and date "1777" inside the heart, and the inscription "GOD BLES THE BABE" along the lower sides of the heart are formed with small pins pushed in straight. Silk fringe is twisted cord, tassels are heavily frayed.
Reverse side is not shown, but based on other pincushions of the period, whose designs are formed by pins, it's safe to assume that it is unadorned. These pin cushions were not used for storing pins for sewing, but were solely decorative.
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PincushionMuseum Object Number
1958.2498
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1750-1800
Materials
Wool
Dimensions (inches)
3.12 (H) , 7.75 (L) , 7.12 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
7.94 (H) , 19.69 (L) , 18.1 (D)
Pincushion, nearly square; front: bargello/flame stitch needlepoint worked in wool on coarse evenweave or canvas (most likely linen); back: appears to be solid colored wool
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Pincushion/disc
1959.0570
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1800-1825
Materials
Silk; Paper; Stuffing
Dimensions (inches)
2.12 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.4 (Diam)
Pincushion/disc, printed silk
Typical construction of this style of pincushion, in the period suggests that the silk is backed with paper with layers of paper between the front and back discs. All the layers are joined by glueing the centers only and then attaching a silk satin-weave or velvet ribbon around the circumference of the disc, usually with very fine stitches. The pins are then inserted through the ribbon and slip between the layers of paper inside.
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Pincushion (Pinball)Museum Object Number
1965.2076
Name
Pincushion (Pinball)
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1775-1850
Materials
Silk
Dimensions (inches)
2 (H) , 2.5 (L) , 2.1 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.2 (H) , 6.3 (L) , 5.4 (W)
Pinball, silk embroidery on silk, joined around the circumference with a striped, satin-weave ribbon, ribbon ends left long to attach to clothing
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Museum Object Number
1965.2078
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United Kingdom, Europe
Secondary Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1750-1800
Materials
Silk; Canvas
Dimensions (inches)
1.6 (H) , 6.1 (L) , 4 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
4.1 (H) , 15.4 (L) , 11 (W)
Pincushion, rectangular; front: needlepoint in silk on canvas (most likely linen), black threads have worn or rotted away (likely due to the iron used in black dye, highly corrosive), design of diamonds formed by small squares that stair-step on the diagonal, spaces are filled with fleur-de-lis, stylized flowers and strawberries; back: pale blue, silk, floral damask, heavy wear at corners, some staining; two corners show traces of some silk threads that seem to indicate that there were once pale blue, silk tassels at the corners
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Museum Object Number
1956.0510 A- I
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing case)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
Europe
Date
1820-1850
Materials
Leather; Wood; Glass; Iron; Mother of pearl; Ormolu
Dimensions (inches)
3.5 (H) , 5 (W) , 1 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
8.89 (H) , 12.7 (W) , 2.54 (D)
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Museum Object Number
1958.0506 A- E
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing kit)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1810-1840
Materials
Silverplate on copper (fused plate); Cloth; Silver; Steel
Techniques
Die-rolled, Spun
Dimensions (inches)
4.75 (H) , 2.75 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
12.07 (H) , 6.99 (W)
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Tool (for sewing) (Needle Packet)
1961.1026 C C
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Needle Packet)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Please Contact Winterthur Registrar's Office for Credit Line
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1800-1825
Materials
Wood; Silver; Silk; Velvet
Techniques
Sewn
Dimensions (inches)
2.244 (L) , 1.299 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.7 (L) , 3.3 (W)
This needle packet is one of the items in the sewing box shaped like a pianoforte.
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Museum Object Number
1959.0728 H
Name
Tray
Category
Wood (other)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1810-1840
Materials
Wood; Velvet; Cord; Paper; Glass
Dimensions (inches)Dimensions (centimeters) |
The object in front of the box is a tambour hook. These hooks were used for a type of embroidery that forms a chain stitch very quickly and was in use by the late 18th C. The fabric is held taut in a hoop (tambour means drum) or frame that is suspended on a stand. The thread is held under the fabric and is drawn through the fabric by the hook. The chain is formed as the hook is advanced along the pattern lines, with each successive loop is drawn through the previous one. Tambour embroidery was very popular on the Indian cotton muslims of the period and was worked in cotton, and silk thread on silk net, it is also found on silk cloth, worked in silk, and wool worked on wool fabric. see: https://www.google.com/search?q=tambour+embroidery&hl=en&rlz=1C1ASAD_enUS515US515&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=cOouUaL1Lu3O0QHktIH4BA&ved=0CEQQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=666 for lovely images and links
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Museum Object Number
1959.0732
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
New York, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
Origin Notes
Text on the front of the cushion notes "N. York", presumably the pin cushion could have been made in New York or given to a resident of New York. Without a solid provenance this is conjecture.
Date
1794
Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label
1. Inscription; Front of cushion; "WELCOM LITTLE/ Stranger" and "N. York/ RV/ HV/ 1794"
Materials
Silk; Metal; Steel
Dimensions (inches)
5 (L) , 4 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
13 (L) , 10 (W)
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Museum Object Number
1960.0311
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Museum purchase
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Origin Notes
It is not fully known if it was made in North America or not, it is assumed based on its place of acquisition.
Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label
1. ; front of cushion; "Welcome/ Little/ Stranger/ M/ CM/AB/ 1770"
Materials
Silk; Thread
Dimensions (inches)
2.25 (H) , 5.75 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.715 (H) , 14.605 (W)
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Museum Object Number
1969.0967
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Please Contact Winterthur Registrar's Office for Credit Line
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1770-1820
Materials
Iron; Silk
Dimensions (inches)
3.25 (H) , 1.43 (W) , 1.43 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
8.26 (H) , 3.65 (W) , 3.65 (D)
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Museum Object Number
1967.1287
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
England, United Kingdom, Europe
Date
1790-1840
Materials
Cloth; Paper; Shell
Dimensions (inches)
1.37 (H) , 3 (L) , 2.75 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
3.49 (H) , 7.62 (L) , 6.99 (D)
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Museum Object Number
2011.0047.001
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Crewel, worked by Mary Taylor Landon and Anne Landon Allen
Dimensions (inches)Dimensions (centimeters)
I'm looking forward to see if they can determine a date for these pieces. The mitt looks to me like it could be late 19th or 20th C, but the other two pieces look like they could be 18th C., although they could all be vintage or modern interpretations of period styles.
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Tool (for sewing) (Sewing clamp and pincushion) with thread spools and holderMuseum Object Number
2001.0033.233
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing clamp and pincushion)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Jefferson and Anne Miller Collection
Place of Origin
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
Origin Notes
Recoverd in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Date
1856
Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label
1. Inscription; On thumb screw ; "1856" in positive pierced numbers.
2. Inscription; On terminal on one of the arms at the top; "KW" in positive pierced letters. Materials
Iron; Silk
Techniques
Wrought
Dimensions (inches)
9.449 (H) , 7.48 (W) , 5.315 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
24 (H) , 19 (W) , 13.5 (D)
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Tool (for sewing) (Sewing bird)(base for pincushion)Museum Object Number
1987.0099
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing bird)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Please Contact Winterthur Registrar's Office for Credit Line
Place of Origin
France, Europe
Date
1730-1750
Materials
Iron; Brass
Dimensions (inches)
8.37 (H) , 4.12 (W) , 5.5 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
21.27 (H) , 10.48 (W) , 13.97 (D)
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  Tool (for sewing) (Sewing clamp and pincushion)
2001.0033.223
Name
Tool (for sewing) (Sewing clamp and pincushion)
Category
Tools
Credit Line/Donor
Jefferson and Anne Miller Collection
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1823
Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label
1. Inscription; Side of thumb screw; "E+K" in circular punched letters.
2. Inscription; Side of thumb screw; "1823" in circular punched letters. Materials
Iron
Techniques
Wrought
Dimensions (inches)
4.8 (H) , 3.622 (W) , 1.97 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
12.3 (H) , 9.2 (W) , 5 (D)
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Museum Object Number
1958.2590 A- C
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
Asia
Date
1800-1820
Materials
Iron; Cloth; Brass
Dimensions (inches)
5.25 (H) , 3.37 (W) , 2.75 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
13.34 (H) , 8.57 (W) , 6.99 (D)
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Museum Object Number
1958.2976
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1800-1825
Materials
Silk; Maple; Cloth
Dimensions (inches)
6.5 (H) , 3.25 (L)
Dimensions (centimeters)
16.51 (H) , 8.26 (L)
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GartersMuseum Object Number
1965.2082.002
Name
Garter
Category
Textiles (Clothing)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
Virginia, United States, North America
Date
1753-1753
Materials
Wool; Linen; Silk
Dimensions (inches)
9.87 (L) , 1 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
25.08 (L) , 2.54 (W)
Two identical garters worked in silk on evenweave linen, using queen stitch, lined with red wool, linen tapes
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Pincushion (Pinball)Museum Object Number
1969.0675
Name
Pincushion (Pinball)
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Origin Notes
As per previous cataloguer: Probable origin is United States.
Date
1790-1820
Materials
Silk; Silver
Dimensions (inches)
1.75 (H) , 2.25 (W)
Dimensions (centimeters)
4.45 (H) , 5.72 (W)
No fancy needlework here, but a lovely textured silk, center join is covered by a silver band with grooves and scalloped edges |
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Pincushion (Pinball)
1965.2075
Name
Pincushion (Pinball)
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1750-1800
Materials
Silk; Canvas
Dimensions (inches)
2.12 (H) , 2.5 (Diam)
Dimensions (centimeters)
5.4 (H) , 6.3 (Diam)
Pinball, one side: textured silk with silk floral embroidery using satin, stem and long-and-short stitches; reverse side: coarse linen evenweave (canvas) with geometric design worked in silk, using queen stitch; front and back joined and covered with silk ribbon, stitched in place using herringbone stitch in silk thread
 PincushionMuseum Object Number
1952.0281
Name
Pincushion
Category
Textiles (Needlework)
Credit Line/Donor
Gift of Henry Francis du Pont
Place of Origin
United States, North America
Date
1775-1800
Materials
Wool; Silverplate on copper (fused plate); Cotton
Dimensions (inches)
2.5 (H) , 1.75 (D)
Dimensions (centimeters)
6.35 (H) , 4.45 (D)
Pinball, knit in a floral/geometric design with a pair of birds facing center, using what looks to be the wool, stuffed with a wrapped ball of cotton yarn (it could be that the yarns are reversed, but wool would shape better than the cotton), I am guessing that the design is identical on both sides, since there is only one view posted and you can see the two concentric lines that form rough scallops around the outer edge of the design on the back; outer shell is worked in two shades, a deep brown (possibly dyed with walnut) and a natural off-white, the halves are joined over the wrapped ball and the join covered by scalloped band: decorated with geometric etching/stamping and punched holes, a heavy gauge wire ring soldered around center, with a round ring (same gauge wire) soldered on perpendicular to the center ring, metal is copper with fused silver-plate, the band is set on with the hanging ring positioned at the four o'clock position of the knit design (Whether this was intentional, a mistake or due to slippage of the ring over time, I can't begin to guess. Other pinballs that I've seen have their hanging rings or ribbon loops positioned at 12 o'clock.)
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