19th century bright brass sewing bird with peach velvet cushions

“Sewing Bird” from the late 19th or early 20th century. These delightful accessories clamp to a table edge, and the bird’s beak opens to hold the fabric, making it easier to embroider. This one is a bright brass; it’s lightweight and the metal of the wings is thinner than older models. The engraved patterns are quite shallow and the patent date is missing from the wings edge.  The quatrefoil at the bottom is symmetrical without the notch typical of earlier models.

The condition is very good except for wear to the velvet cushions. The bird itself flexes on the post, unlike the other ones I have where it is unmovable. Every inch of the metal is covered with intricate repoussé patterns of floral and geometric motifs. The screw clamp works smoothly and the squeeze-hinge to open the bird’s mouth works easily.

Overall, it measures 4-7/8″ high from the top pincushion to the bottom of the clamp; the bird is about 3-3/4″ long and 2″ across the wings.

SOLD