Did you know that needles and pins were so scarce in England in the 14th & 15th centuries that Parliament limited the sale of these items to the first two days of January each year?
Women would save all year to buy needles and pins on that sale day, thus the term “pin money” came into being.
Is it any wonder that beautiful cases were manufactured to hold these valuable items?
Needle Cases became sentimental as well as functional objects and were made to celebrate or commemorate a special event. A young lady might receive a needle case as a special gift for a birthday or “coming out” party. Wives were given fine silver needle cases as anniversary gifts.
An emerging market in collectibles…
In any field, it is the leaders, not the followers, that are the most successful and the field of antiques and collectibles is no different. Once the professional dealers get into a market, it is usually too late to find real bargains which makes it tough for beginning collectors to get started. With the popularity of The Antiques Roadshow and eBay, even yard sales and garage sales can no longer be counted on to hold bargains as recognized markets are known to everyone now.
The best strategy for beginning collectors is to find an untapped market and get in on the ground floor and I believe silver needle cases are just such a market.
These wonderful little treasures were most popular in Victorian England but fine examples can be found from all eras and parts of the world.
Start your collection now and be among the first to exploit a market that I believe is about to explode in popularity.