Antique Carved Bone Emery Cushion * English * Circa 1850

This nice little Victorian emery is carved of bone with a flower design on both sides and serrated edges. It has a red silk cushion (intact and original) and is stuffed with emery powder. There is a natural flaw in the center on one side, but the bone is in otherwise excellent condition with no cracks or other damage. It measures almost 1″ in diameter. Gay Ann Rogers shows emeries of similar age and form in mother of pearl on p. 135 of her book “An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools”.

Emeries were used to sharpen and polish the steel needles of the age. Emery powder is a fine grit and the needles were pushed in and out the cushion several times. It also removed rust.