Featured Antique Lace Hankerchiefs

I did see that posting. Thanks for the update - that size is fairly common - but I always wondered why they included 12 napkins for a table cloth that would "seat" six to eight???????

 

HAHA SLOPPY people????

 

Hi,
They used 12 for tables that sat 8. They used the extras to line the bread baskets and etc. There was always the dumb girlfriend who wore too heavy lipstick and ruined one. Unless it was my Gram who always over starched hers and nothing would stain them.
greg

 

Then there are the ones the dog got. Since it was given at someone's wedding and intended to be used for a good 10-20 years, replacements might not be available down the line when needed.

 

These would be perfect for my daughters wedding! Each of the girls could carry one with their bouquet! How much are you asking for the handkerchiefs?

 

@Grandma Cathy M I honestly don't have a clue yet as to what to ask! I just received a tub of "Restoration"....I need to see if I can get some of the age stains gently removed.....and plan on following the directions to a "T"!!!! Most reviews said the users had had very good success with this product.....so I'm very hopeful......but one never knows when dealing with antique fabrics!!!

 

What a lovely box to find! Sounds like you may still have some of them!? Fun... well, here's what I can tell/see from the pics - some need to be more close up for a more definitive confirmation.
However, by the photo alone: All appear to be circa Turn-of-Century - give or take a few years.
#1: machine Valenciennes
#2: "needle run"... PROBABLY machine - would need close up
#3: Same opinion
#4: machine tape; hand assembled Battenburg/Battenberg
#5: probably machine Valenciennes - would need close up
#6: machine tape; hand assembled Princess tape lace
#7: most certainly machine
#8: "needle run"...probably machine - very pretty - would need close up
#9: machine tape; hand assembled Battenburg/Battenberg variation
#10: bobbin design; probably machine - would need close up

A little clue for "machine" of this era is that the corners are either gathered or cut and mitred. Although that isn't ALWAYS true; it is often the case. In hand made pieces; the design "usually" turns the corner; rather than cut to fit.

Are these all from the "Littlefield" estate? She had a lovely eye for dainty!
Leslie

 

Back in, I think...as I remember, the late fifties & early sixties, my Mom would buy an old house now and then, and of course we would wind up cleaning them out....Mom knew they had the contents "as they stood" (not always in great shape as old houses were always broken into and damaged!) and she was a pretty good antique collector, and prices back then had not yet inflated....so she got some pretty good deals!!! After she 'rescued & collected' what she wanted, she'd save some to keep, then sell in her "barn sales", the really bad stuff would go to the town dump, and she'd sell the cleaned up house for a profit.....she was, I have to say, a pretty smart cookie!! In 2016 I thought I'd be selling the hankies, but at my age, just don't have the energy to deal with all I read about the online biggies such as 'ebay, etsy, ruby lane, etc.'.....so might just let either the B.I. Historical Society have most of them (I DO have a couple of faves!!) or let a couple of nieces deal with them....and other 'stuff'!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH for your VALUED OPINION!!! My Favorite 1 or 2 were in the other link!!

 

Fascinating! Yes, your Mom was "before her time"! I'd have loved helping her!

I'm glad to share my humble opinion. I really don't consider myself among the most expert experts - but I do have a lot of "making" and teaching experience under my belt. If number #1 and #2 are ones with "unmetred" corners... they might be the ones that are "hand worked" ... as I said; I'd have to see close ups.

I'm unfamiliar with "B.I. Historical" (probably your local Historical Society).

Cheerio for now.
Leslie