circa 1880 umbrella form carved bone needle case

Needle cases carved into fanciful shapes were very popular in the last quarter of the 19th century; this bone (cow or ox) umbrella form is a classic example. It is about 4-1/2 inches long and the handle unscrews from the body. The hole at the top of the handle would have originally contained a Stanhope scenic viewer, but it is missing and would now allow you to run a ribbon or chain through the hole and wear around your neck or add to a chatelaine.

Condition is generally good with a few chips along the fluted edge of the “umbrella” and a single chip in the pointed tip. The handle screws in snugly and is easy to remove. The body can hold needles up to 2-1/2 inches long.