BYRD FAMILY, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA ANTIQUE 10K GOLD AND SILVER SEWING / NEEDLEWORKING ARTICLES, LOT OF THREE, comprising an unmarked silver chatelaine clip with engraved decoration including a cornucopia holding foliage to front and "M.E. Byrd" to back, possibly for Margaret Elizabeth Byrd (1829-1862) but unconfirmed; a gold thimble testing as 10K gold fineness by Simons Brothers of Philadelphia, PA with personalized engraving of "R.T.B. 1919" for Rosalie Teresa Brock Byrd (1898-1980); and a sterling silver tatting shuttle with engraved decoration to one side featuring a center "B" initial, this comes with a hand-written note that reads, "When I was a very young girl [I] had my first trip to Wash. I saw 'Ben-Hur', my first stage performance, I bought this sterling tatting shuttle at Galts Jewelry store for my grandmother who tatted a lot. Galts at that time was owned + operated by Mrs. Galt who later became the 2nd Mrs. Wilson (Woodrow). It was + still is Wash's best jewelry store. RBB". Clip of unknown silver fineness / metal content, thimble with maker's mark and tested for gold fineness, shuttle marked "STERLING". Total weight of thimble: 2.6 grams; total weight of tatting shuttle: 0.210 ozt. Together with a silver-toned metal knee buckle accompanied by a note titled "For [Wm?] H. Byrd Junior from his Dad" that reads, "Colonial Knee Buckle This was worn by great, great, Grandfather Andrew Byrd in the 1760's. Emma had intended having it converted to a brooch but was advised by Frank Taliaferro not to have it altered.", but the buckle likely dates later than 1760s. Four pieces total. 19th and early 20th century. Chatelaine clip 2 1/2" HOA, 1" WOA.
Provenance: From the John H. and Joan S. Byrd estate collection, Harrisonburg, VA.
Good to very good overall condition with some wear, surface scratches, and other imperfections including bending, nicks, dents, and/or worn spots to decoration; chatelaine clip with possible repair to top at bend.