A bodkin is a needle like tool that was used for pulling tape or ribbon through a series of loops.
17th century clothing was often joined by such as ribbons or leather straps.
Bodkins were personal, often carried on the person, and passed through the generations.
The word "bodkin" in earlier centuries also referred to sharp instruments, as stilettos,
daggers, and pointed hair ornaments.
Waxing of threads and ribbons enabled them move to more easily through openings.
It also prevented threads from raveling. Waxed threads are still desirable for needlework today.
Most bodkins of this period are unmarked. Most bodkins are also of a lighter gauge silver.

RARE & FINE JAMES I / CHARLES I SILVER BODKIN with EARSPOON
England, 1600-20, Maker's Mark "G"

Of a lighter gauge silver, in the usual elongated flat tapering blunt needle form,
with wide open slot below a smaller round "Celtic eye" opening and scooped ear (wax) spoon,
decorated to each side in the geometric Stuart style,
the shaft scratch-engraved to one side with original owner's initials " . I B ." ,
reverse struck with a single mark : G" in a plain shield, unascribed ( bodkins rarely marked);

 
excellent color and patination; slight bend to the shaft from thumb/finger positioning

5-5/8" Long / 0.3 oz

SOLD

#7836

Please Inquire

RARE & FINE JAMES I SILVER BODKIN with EARSPOON
England, c 1610-1625, Maker's Mark Rubbed

Of very heavy gauge silver, in the usual elongated flat tapering blunt needle form,
with wide open slot below a smaller round "Celtic eye" opening and scooped ear (wax) spoon,
decorated to each side in the geometric Stuart style,
the shaft scratch-engraved to each side with original owner's initials ": M . N :", and ". E . R .";
excellent color and patination; very slight bend to the shaft from thumb/finger positioning;
illegible remains of a mark in an oval (S)?

5-3/8" Long / 0.5 oz

SOLD

#7837

Please Inquire

The fashion of the 17th century dictated that both men and women be "laced: into tight clothing.

For women, a corset was the fashion, for gentlemen, the weskit.

Below are two 17th century paintings showing the fashions.

The lady to the left is shown threading the "stomacher" or bodice with a bodkin.

Peter De Hooch, 1660, Mother Lacing Her Bodice Beside a Cradle (detail )  /  Peter Paul Rubens, 1609, The Artist & His First Wife Isabella Brunt

(Both images courtery of Creative Commons)

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Rare & Fine James I / Charles I Silver Bodkin 1600-20, Maker's Mark 'G' & Rare & Fine James I Silver Bodkin c 1610-1625, mark rubbed 

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