Antique Carved Ivory Madras Work Thread Winder * English * Circa 1820

This rare ivory winder is from my collection and is decorated with patterns of Madras work dots and circles. This is a form of scrimshaw work where black lacquer is flowed into the engraved designs. It has a lovely mellow patina and ivory grain pattern. 

The condition is excellent with no chips, cracks or other damage and the lacquer designs are intact. It measures 1 5/8″ in diameter. It’s English and dates to the early 19th century. An ivory Madras work winder is shown on p. 163 of Gay Ann Rogers’ book An Illustrated History of Needlework Tools and one just like this one is on p. 12 of Diane Pelham Burn’s book, Thread Winders, A Collectors Guide.