Darning egg

Object/Artifact

-

Historic Hudson Valley

Name/Title

Darning egg

Entry/Object ID

SS.2018.6

Description

Three-dimensional ovoid object; comprised of two woods, light and dark, laminated together in alternating 1/4" x 1/4" x 3" pieces, arranged in a checkerboard, then turned to create smooth shape; alternating woods create high-contrast pattern of what appears to be elongated, striped ovals at sides; short ends show checkerboard pattern clearly.

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Unknown

Attribution

Maker

Artist

William Simpkins

Attribution

Maker

Date made

1860 - 1899

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Transcription

(See Description)

Other Names and Numbers

Other Number

SS.2018.4

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Overall

Height

3 in

Width

2 in

Depth

2 in

Dimension Notes

Display Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 2 in. (7.6 x 5.1 x 5.1 cm)

Material

Wood (possibly mahogany and hard maple)

Condition

Notes

Remarks: Light surface scratches and one long divot consistent with use and age.

Relationships

Related Person or Organization

Person or Organization

Maria A. Fowler

Notes

Former owner

Person or Organization

Caroline Raymond

Notes

Former owner

General Notes

Note Type

Curatorial Remarks

Note

Used for stretching/"filling out" items like socks or stockings while they are being mended or darned [Jessa J. Krick, 7/30/2019].

Note Type

General Note

Note

Donor Jessica Leslie believes that this piece was either from Maria A. Fowler Raymond's collection of family sewing tools used at 116 Washington Street or that it was added to the collection by Caroline Raymond, Maria's daughter. It is possible that it was made by William "Simmy" Simpkins, the husband of Caroline Raymond Simpkins.

Note Type

StorageNote

Note

Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Administrative Office, Collection Manager's Office

Note Type

Department

Note

Curatorial