I am happy to clarify my "involvement" with this pillow.
The seller (who I have never met but is a house clearer in Wales) e-mailed
me about 3 weeks ago, with the story about finding the pillow (they then
called it a "cushion") in the house in the circumstances she is now
describing on e-bay. She asked for my views on how it could be disposed of;
they seemed keen to find a good home for it. At that stage I had only their
description of it. I replied as follows :
"We know of many people who are always in the market for good quality
bobbins. You should be aware though that there is a very large number of
run-of-the-mill bobbins that are reasonably easy to locate for the
enthusiast to choose from. What thay are looking for are the unusual and the
interesting.
"We need therefore to know a little more about your curious find. As the
Welshpool area (assuming you found it locally) was not one of the more
prolific lacemaking areas, it is not easy for us to identify the type and
potential interest. Do the bobbins have "spangles" - that is do they have
wired beads at their ends ? Are they made of wood or bone ? Are they
decorated, do they have sayings/names/whatever engraved on them ?
"And the pillow (this, incidently is the correct term) - is it flat or
bolster shape. Is there a stand or other related equipment. Is there a piece
of lace in progress ? Is it on a "pricking" or pattern ? If so what is it
made of ?
"We are intrigued that there is only 20 bobbins. This is a small number for
most pieces and tends to indicate that the user was a beginner.
"A photograph would help but we may well be able to advise based on the
answers to these questions.
"Where can it be seen ? Based on this, we might well be able to put you in
touch with potentially interested lacemakers"
Following this, they sent me the photograph which you now see on e-bay.
Based on this we replied:
"The bobbins do not appear exceptional and are typical of large quantities
that are offered by specialist dealers for around 2.00GBP each. The pillow
would have some value additional to that. Overall, I would expect an
interested lacemaker might pay 30-40GBP but a dealer would, of course, pay
far less than this.
"When comparing prices you need to be aware that relatively plain, old
wooden
bobbins are relatively easily available. In greater demand are bone bobbins,
particularly those with sayings and/or names. These regularly sell for about
10GBP plus each (and can be much more for rare specimens).
"I can think of no lacemakers local to yourselves who would be interested in
making an offer - although I am sure they must be there somewhere !
"My advice would be to offer the lot on e-bay. This has a flourishing lace
bobbin section which attracts bidders from around the lacemaking world.
"Thank you for recognising this object as interest and a thing of some
interest to the right person. If there is anything else we can do to help
this happen, please get in touch."
You will note from this that at no time did I give an opinion as to the age
of the bobbins and/or pillow.
Subsequent to this, without further contact or advice from me, the seller
decided to list it on e-bay for 100GBP ! I was not impressed by this as they
had essentially ignored my advice. During the week of the auction they
reduced the offer price, received no bids and then relisted it at 10GBP!
I then mailed the lister and pointed out that over-pricing (against my
recommendation) had spoilt the sale. In addition, I reminded them that not
using the correct terminology. despite my advice on the subject, was not
helping. They replied in conciliatory fashion, corrected the terminology and
added the reference to myself without my permission (apparently in the
belief that they were doing me a favour). I repeat that I have not seen the
pillow, etc and not met the seller. I have no interest, directly or
indirectly, in the potential proceeds from the pillow and bobbins.
Having said all that, it does appear that the lot is worth consideration
starting from the now asking price. Buyers should however come to their own
opinion as to value.
Pat Hallam
Nottingham, UK
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Shop on-line at www.roseground.com
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