Antique Carved Ivory Madras Work Netting/Winding Clamp * Circa 1820

This antique clamp has a beautiful old patina and is engraved with patterns of Madras work dots and circles around all of the sides. This is a form of scrimshaw work where black lacquer is flowed into the engraved designs.

The top has a vase shaped netting knob and a spool. The finial above the spool unscrews so the spool can be removed. The condition is excellent with no chips, cracks or other damage. The clamp screw holds tightly along the entire length.

It measures 3 7/8″ high with the screw half way in. It’s English and dates to the early 19th century. A Madras work netting / winding clamp is shown on p. 87 of Nerylla Taunton’s book “Antique Needlework Tools and Embroideries”.