1800’s Sewing Bird with Original Pin Cushion, Pat. Feb 15,1853

This sewing bird is in good condition, the screw works well, the spring to open the beak also works well.  The original velvet pin cushion is in place and does show signs of wear and use.  Please see the photos.  The clamp and underside of the pin cushion are ornately decorated.  The sewing bird was invented in the 19^th century to assist ladies with their hand sewing.  The fabric could be put into the bird's beak and there it would be held taut.  The sewing machine had not yet come to be and having that third hand to hold fabric was a great help!  The patent was obtained by Charles Waterman on Feb 15, 1853 though he had been selling them for a while prior to this.  Not long after, the sewing bird took a romantic  turn.  Young men began presenting their brides to be with a sewing bird months before the wedding so that she could sew the necessities for her trousseau.