Unusual and rare antique Victorian Mauchline Ware needlecase c.1880’s, turned from sycamore and in a horseshoe shape.  The inked design on the front shows St Bartholomew's Church, Newbiggin-by-the-sea in Tyne and Wear in the north of England. The church dates from the 13th century and by the eighteenth century had become a ruin, but the nave and chancel were restored in 1845, and a new chancel arch and organ chamber were built in 1898. The church is noted for its dramatic headland site.

The case is in excellent antique condition, with the original velvet hinge and somewhat faded light blue silk interior. Length 7cms x width 5cms x depth 0.9cms. Please note needles are modern and are not included in the sale!

In the late 1700’s, skilled woodworkers in the Ayrshire town of Mauchline began making small wooden boxes for storing snuff, crafted from the cream-colored, tightly grained wood of local sycamore trees. These were decorated with hand-painted or inked designs and finished with multiple coats of amber-coloured varnish for shine and durability. Soon, time-saving paper transfers were introduced.

By the 1820’s demand for snuff boxes had declined, so the box makers began making other small, useful wooden items, suitable as souvenirs for the increasing number of holiday travellers. By 1825, William and Andrew Smith had established the prestigious W & A Smith Box Works in Mauchline, making souvenir items of every size, shape and purpose and these were sent all around the world.

Still useable today, this is bound to be of interest to collectors of Mauchline Ware or sewing items.