Knitted Pinball

Date1759 (dated)

MediumSilk; stuffing material unidentified

DimensionsD: 1 3/4"; Circumference: 5 5/8"; OL of braided loop: 9 1/4" Length of cord: 9 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1971-1315

DescriptionThis is a knitted round pincushion or pinball of purple/brown and white/natural knitted silk. A braided cord composed of three six-strand groups (2 purple/brown and 1 white/natural) is sewn to the cushion where edges meet (possibly to hide seam). The long ends of the cord meet at top and are knotted together at their ends to form a loop measuring 9 1/4" long.
The pattern of the pinball consists of geometric designs--an eight-pointed star and triangles on reverse and on obverse triangles. The initials "EP" and date "1759" are embroidered (V) on top of ground.
The stitches are 28 per inch and 25 rows per inch.
Label TextEarly pincushions and pinballs were often highly decorated and reflected the high value placed on the pins themselves. The geometric patterns seen on this pinball are similar to ones found on later Quaker pinballs produced at the English Quaker boarding school Ackworth.
Markings"EP" "1759"
ProvenanceEx collections: Anonymous Owners and Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen.