Victorian Sewing Bird Clamp with Original Pin Cushion

This Victorian-era sewing bird is a clamp designed to assist with hand-sewing by holding fabric in place. Sewing birds became popular in the 1850s as a helpful "third hand" for seamstresses, often given to young women as part of their dowries.  The spring mechanism is functional and allows the beak to open and close. The original pin cushion remains on the bird’s back, showing wear consistent with its age. The secondary pin cushion that once sat on the clamp is missing, as is the flat piece that originally covered the screw. The clamp itself remains intact and unbent to that is can still be securely fastening to a table or work surface.