Vivienne wrote: <The bobbins you describe, Jack in the box and cow and calf I think you have the wrong way round. A Jack in the box (toy) is attached to the box and cannot be taken out. Hence the Jack in the box bobbin is attached to the insert. The Cow lets her calf go as does the cow and calf. This is the cow & calf bobbin and is how I have always understood it.>
David Springett in 'Success to the Lace Pillow' describes them as Cow in calf with fixed bobbin, Jack-in-the box with a loose one. Alexandra Stillwell in 'Cassells Illustrated Dictionary of Lacemaking' agrees with David Springett in her description, but then adds the opposite to end of each description. David Springett: "Cow and calf: the end section of the hollow shank pulls out to reveal a miniature bobbin which is attached to the tail part." " Jack in the box: two parts of the hollow shank pull apart to release a loose miniature bobbin." Alexandra Stillwell: "Cow-and(in) -calf: A wooden or bone bobbin in two parts, joining with a screw or push fit and having a hollow shank containing a miniature bobbin, the calf attached to the lower part of the bobbin" She does add "Sometimes called Jack-in-the-box." Jack-in-the box: A wooden or bone bobbin in two parts joining with a screw or push fit, and having a hollowed shank containing a loose miniature bobbin that jumps (falls) out when it is opened." But she adds "Sometime called a cow-and(in)-calf." I'll stick with David Springett considering the amount of research he's done, unless Brian Lemin wants to add anything. Jean in Poole - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
