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Sailmaker's needle case, 19th century
Sailmaker's needle case, 19th century

Sailmaker's needle case, 19th century

Date19th century
Object number00028361
NameNeedle set
MediumWood case, steel needles
DimensionsOverall: 152 x 25 x 25 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis turned wooden needle case containing two early steel sailmaker's needles is believed to have been made in the nineteenth century.HistorySail making was an essential trade in the days of sail and continued to be important even when sail had declined. Sail makers worked ashore usually in sail lofts, but large ships continued to carry a sail maker in modern times. Sail makers worked closely with riggers and the two trades overlapped. Sail makers did all kinds of canvas and rope work. While most seamen were expected to be able to sew, to repair sails and rigging and to be competent at rope work and knot making was considered a skilled trade. Sail makers had to understand stresses and strengths of the materials they used, their elasticity and the degree of stretch to allow for. Before commercial standardisation of rope and canvas, sail makers developed their own ways of testing and allowances, with the tradition of sail making passed on through apprenticeships. SignificanceThis needle set provides a useful example of sailors tools used on board nineteenth century sailing vessels.