18th Century Mother-of-pearl Bodkin Case, French Or Italian

A circa 1780 French or Italian mother-of-pearl bodkin case incised with a floral design and fitted with sterling silver bands at the juncture. There are two makers’ marks on the inside tube but they’re indistinguishable. In wonderful condition, the two pieces fit snugly, slight wear on the top but no cracks or chips.

A bodkin is a needle-like tool that has one flattened end with a slit in it and a round dull point on the other end. The slit held a cord, tape or ribbon while the other end entered the clothing fabric opening that was to be laced closed, much like a shoe lace.