Antique Hand Cut Crystal Hair Receiver

American * Circa 1890s

This beautiful piece of hand cut crystal is what was called a hair receiver. The top has a hole for adding hair from your brush or comb. I've read that the ladies used the hair to stuff small bags and make what they called ratts. These were used to bulk out women's natural hair and achieve the high hairstyles which were fashionable in the Victorian era. There are lots of modern uses though for these lovely containers. I have one on my dresser and it's perfect for dropping in pins and buttons and all the other bits and pieces that seem to show up there. Gay Ann Rogers had the idea of using one for her "orts" or cut ends of her embroidery threads. It would be lovely filled with colorful bits of wool and silk. You could then use them to stuff pincushions and the like.

This one is 100% hand cut with a pattern of leaves and flowers and a sunburst on the bottom. There is a shallow chip on the top rim of the bowl, under the top. Other than that, the condition is perfect. It measures 5 1/4" in diameter and about 3 1/2" high (including the top). Please excuse the postage but it weighs over 2 pounds in the box.

Despite the name, this organization is for people who collect needlework tools And thimbles. It's the largest collector's group in the world focusing on these wonderful little pieces of history.

The membership benefits are outstanding. They have a convention every two years where you'll have a chance to attend great programs and meet others sharing your interests. You will receive an excellent quarterly magazine, the "Bulletin". The member's sections of the website have dozens of research articles, hundreds of fake and repro items to beware of and price guides. There is also a chat room where you can ask questions and get expert feedback about your collection. Check them out today at thimblecollectors dot com.