{"id":10941381214367,"title":"Seven Antique English Lace Bobbins, 19th Century","handle":"seven-antique-english-lace-bobbins-19th-century","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseven antique English lace bobbins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, dating largely to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, brings together several regional forms associated with Britain’s historic lacemaking centres, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire, Honiton, Downton and the East Midlands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Turned in a variety of woods, the group includes heavier unspangled working bobbins, finer pointed forms and a particularly attractive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003espangled East Midlands bobbin retaining its glass-bead decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeven small pieces of turned wood, but together they tell a much bigger story about English lace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLace bobbins were working tools first and foremost, and their different shapes were not simply decorative choices. Weight, length and profile all affected the way thread behaved in the hand. Different lacemaking districts developed their own preferences, which is why bobbins from Buckinghamshire, Devon, Wiltshire and the East Midlands can look surprisingly different despite performing essentially the same task.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe two substantial bobbins at the left are most consistent with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire tradition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. South Bucks bobbins were generally used without spangles, relying instead on the weight of the turned wood to maintain tension. Larger examples are often referred to by collectors as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“thumpers”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while particularly heavy bobbins could be used for thicker or gimp threads.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir weight makes an interesting contrast with the finer dark bobbin beside them. Its slender, pointed form is consistent with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoniton-type bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the sort of lightweight tool associated with the exceptionally fine lace made in Devon. The pale pointed example alongside it is rather more substantial and has similarities to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton bobbins from Wiltshire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which can share something of the Honiton profile while being heavier in construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most immediately appealing piece in the group is the long \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEast Midlands spangled bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Spangles are closely associated with the lacemaking districts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, where loops of beads added weight to otherwise slender bobbins and also helped prevent them from rolling about on the lace pillow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example retains its glass-bead spangle and fine wire decoration, which gives it considerably more character than an unadorned working bobbin. Beads, wires and attachments are easily lost over time, so their survival is always worth noting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes the group interesting is precisely this variation. English lacemaking was highly regional, and the tools preserve something of those local traditions in miniature. A Buckinghamshire lacemaker, a Honiton worker and an East Midlands lacemaker might all have been doing closely related work, but the bobbins in their hands could be quite different.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdentification, left to right:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire thumper or heavy lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, turned wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Bucks thumper or gimp bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, substantial pear-shaped form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoniton-type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, slender dark hardwood with pointed body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton-type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, pale wood with long tapering form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEast Midlands spangled lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, wire decorated and retaining its original wire \u0026amp; glass-bead spangle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton or South Bucks type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, long unspangled tapered form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnusual English turned lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with deeply ring-turned weighted body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector’s note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e I would describe the group broadly as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19th-century English lacemaking equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while allowing that individual bobbins may differ somewhat in age. The regional attributions are based on form, weight and traditional construction rather than maker’s marks, so some remain stylistic identifications rather than documented ones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-10-24T16:07:13+01:00","created_at":"2026-10-24T15:03:14+01:00","vendor":"Eclectic Design ","type":"Antique Lace Bobbins","tags":["19th Century","English Antiques","Lace Bobbins","Lacemaking","Sewing Collectables"],"price":6500,"price_min":6500,"price_max":6500,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":62896130588831,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":null,"requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Seven Antique English Lace Bobbins, 19th Century","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":6500,"weight":500,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":1,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"deny","barcode":null,"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/eclecticdesignlondon.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_4926.png?v=1792853242"],"featured_image":"\/\/eclecticdesignlondon.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_4926.png?v=1792853242","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":"Seven antique English wooden lace bobbins in varied turned shapes, including one with a glass-bead spangle","id":54632574222495,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.05,"height":2433,"width":2554,"src":"\/\/eclecticdesignlondon.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_4926.png?v=1792853242"},"aspect_ratio":1.05,"height":2433,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/eclecticdesignlondon.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/IMG_4926.png?v=1792853242","width":2554}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis group of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseven antique English lace bobbins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, dating largely to the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, brings together several regional forms associated with Britain’s historic lacemaking centres, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire, Honiton, Downton and the East Midlands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Turned in a variety of woods, the group includes heavier unspangled working bobbins, finer pointed forms and a particularly attractive \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003espangled East Midlands bobbin retaining its glass-bead decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeven small pieces of turned wood, but together they tell a much bigger story about English lace.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLace bobbins were working tools first and foremost, and their different shapes were not simply decorative choices. Weight, length and profile all affected the way thread behaved in the hand. Different lacemaking districts developed their own preferences, which is why bobbins from Buckinghamshire, Devon, Wiltshire and the East Midlands can look surprisingly different despite performing essentially the same task.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe two substantial bobbins at the left are most consistent with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire tradition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. South Bucks bobbins were generally used without spangles, relying instead on the weight of the turned wood to maintain tension. Larger examples are often referred to by collectors as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“thumpers”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while particularly heavy bobbins could be used for thicker or gimp threads.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir weight makes an interesting contrast with the finer dark bobbin beside them. Its slender, pointed form is consistent with a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoniton-type bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the sort of lightweight tool associated with the exceptionally fine lace made in Devon. The pale pointed example alongside it is rather more substantial and has similarities to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton bobbins from Wiltshire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which can share something of the Honiton profile while being heavier in construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe most immediately appealing piece in the group is the long \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEast Midlands spangled bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Spangles are closely associated with the lacemaking districts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, where loops of beads added weight to otherwise slender bobbins and also helped prevent them from rolling about on the lace pillow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis example retains its glass-bead spangle and fine wire decoration, which gives it considerably more character than an unadorned working bobbin. Beads, wires and attachments are easily lost over time, so their survival is always worth noting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes the group interesting is precisely this variation. English lacemaking was highly regional, and the tools preserve something of those local traditions in miniature. A Buckinghamshire lacemaker, a Honiton worker and an East Midlands lacemaker might all have been doing closely related work, but the bobbins in their hands could be quite different.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIdentification, left to right:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col data-spread=\"false\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Buckinghamshire thumper or heavy lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, turned wood\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSouth Bucks thumper or gimp bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, substantial pear-shaped form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHoniton-type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, slender dark hardwood with pointed body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton-type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, pale wood with long tapering form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEast Midlands spangled lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, wire decorated and retaining its original wire \u0026amp; glass-bead spangle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownton or South Bucks type lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, long unspangled tapered form\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnusual English turned lace bobbin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with deeply ring-turned weighted body\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector’s note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e I would describe the group broadly as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e19th-century English lacemaking equipment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while allowing that individual bobbins may differ somewhat in age. The regional attributions are based on form, weight and traditional construction rather than maker’s marks, so some remain stylistic identifications rather than documented ones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}

Seven Antique English Lace Bobbins, 19th Century

περιγραφή προϊόντος
£65.00
Συμπληρώθηκε η μέγιστη διαθέσιμη ποσότητα.

This group of seven antique English lace bobbins, dating largely to the 19th century, brings together several regional forms associated with Britain’s historic lacemaking centres, including South Buckinghamshire, Honiton, Downton and the East Midlands. Turned in a variety of woods, the group includes heavier unspangled working bobbins, finer pointed forms and a particularly attractive spangled East Midlands bobbin retaining its glass-bead decoration.

Seven small pieces of turned wood, but together they tell a much bigger story about English lace.

Lace bobbins were working tools first and foremost, and their different shapes were not simply decorative choices. Weight, length and profile all affected the way thread behaved in the hand. Different lacemaking districts developed their own preferences, which is why bobbins from Buckinghamshire, Devon, Wiltshire and the East Midlands can look surprisingly different despite performing essentially the same task.

The two substantial bobbins at the left are most consistent with the South Buckinghamshire tradition. South Bucks bobbins were generally used without spangles, relying instead on the weight of the turned wood to maintain tension. Larger examples are often referred to by collectors as “thumpers”, while particularly heavy bobbins could be used for thicker or gimp threads.

Their weight makes an interesting contrast with the finer dark bobbin beside them. Its slender, pointed form is consistent with a Honiton-type bobbin, the sort of lightweight tool associated with the exceptionally fine lace made in Devon. The pale pointed example alongside it is rather more substantial and has similarities to Downton bobbins from Wiltshire, which can share something of the Honiton profile while being heavier in construction.

The most immediately appealing piece in the group is the long East Midlands spangled bobbin. Spangles are closely associated with the lacemaking districts of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire, where loops of beads added weight to otherwise slender bobbins and also helped prevent them from rolling about on the lace pillow.

This example retains its glass-bead spangle and fine wire decoration, which gives it considerably more character than an unadorned working bobbin. Beads, wires and attachments are easily lost over time, so their survival is always worth noting.

What makes the group interesting is precisely this variation. English lacemaking was highly regional, and the tools preserve something of those local traditions in miniature. A Buckinghamshire lacemaker, a Honiton worker and an East Midlands lacemaker might all have been doing closely related work, but the bobbins in their hands could be quite different.

Identification, left to right:

  1. South Buckinghamshire thumper or heavy lace bobbin, turned wood

  2. South Bucks thumper or gimp bobbin, substantial pear-shaped form

  3. Honiton-type lace bobbin, slender dark hardwood with pointed body

  4. Downton-type lace bobbin, pale wood with long tapering form

  5. East Midlands spangled lace bobbin, wire decorated and retaining its original wire & glass-bead spangle

  6. Downton or South Bucks type lace bobbin, long unspangled tapered form

  7. Unusual English turned lace bobbin, with deeply ring-turned weighted body

Collector’s note: I would describe the group broadly as 19th-century English lacemaking equipment, while allowing that individual bobbins may differ somewhat in age. The regional attributions are based on form, weight and traditional construction rather than maker’s marks, so some remain stylistic identifications rather than documented ones.

 

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