Victorian Sewing Bird Clamp with Original Pin Cushions

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.  Both original pin cushions remain intact, showing very little wear. The clamp is undamaged and unbent, allowing it to securely fasten to a table or work surface. Everything that was originally part of this sewing bird is present.