The answer is a clear YES. That is what they are. They are plain except for a few which have a turned ring or two on them. The ones I have seen and have, do have a little bit more of a point to them. You can get them a fair bit shorter too. More than there so called "share" are had whittled too.
The oldest Downton is dated 1693 (like on the bobbin!) The history of their lace follows the fortunes of the lace industry in general; but the Downton revival occurred in the early 19oo's. They can be stained and very decorated, much on the same lines as the Honiton Bobbins. Downton bobbins form a group of non East Midland bobbins along with, East Devon (a more accurate name than Honitons) Malmsbury and the South Bucks bobbins. I have found decorated Downtons hard to find. Does anybody know of a collector of Downtons that I could correspond with? Brian and Jean from Cooranbong Australia - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
