Chinese Seamstress's Tool

Slim blade with a pale handle plate, riveted down with three tiny dots.

This iron and bone seamstress's tool is from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. Bone has long been shaped into needles, awls and handles in many parts of the world because it is hard, light and easy to smooth. Long narrow tool with a short curved blade at one end and a tapering dark shaft at the other. The middle holds an pale cream inlay plate secured by three small pins. The metal is dull and slightly scuffed. It is 8.75 inches wide.

Lean, tidy and ready for whatever the job required.