I am happy to clarify my "involvement" with this pillow. The seller (who I have never met but is a house clearer in Wales) e-mailed me about 3 weeks ago, with the story about finding the pillow (they then called it a "cushion") in the house in the circumstances she is now describing on e-bay. She asked for my views on how it could be disposed of; they seemed keen to find a good home for it. At that stage I had only their description of it. I replied as follows :
"We know of many people who are always in the market for good quality bobbins. You should be aware though that there is a very large number of run-of-the-mill bobbins that are reasonably easy to locate for the enthusiast to choose from. What thay are looking for are the unusual and the interesting. "We need therefore to know a little more about your curious find. As the Welshpool area (assuming you found it locally) was not one of the more prolific lacemaking areas, it is not easy for us to identify the type and potential interest. Do the bobbins have "spangles" - that is do they have wired beads at their ends ? Are they made of wood or bone ? Are they decorated, do they have sayings/names/whatever engraved on them ? "And the pillow (this, incidently is the correct term) - is it flat or bolster shape. Is there a stand or other related equipment. Is there a piece of lace in progress ? Is it on a "pricking" or pattern ? If so what is it made of ? "We are intrigued that there is only 20 bobbins. This is a small number for most pieces and tends to indicate that the user was a beginner. "A photograph would help but we may well be able to advise based on the answers to these questions. "Where can it be seen ? Based on this, we might well be able to put you in touch with potentially interested lacemakers" Following this, they sent me the photograph which you now see on e-bay. Based on this we replied: "The bobbins do not appear exceptional and are typical of large quantities that are offered by specialist dealers for around 2.00GBP each. The pillow would have some value additional to that. Overall, I would expect an interested lacemaker might pay 30-40GBP but a dealer would, of course, pay far less than this. "When comparing prices you need to be aware that relatively plain, old wooden bobbins are relatively easily available. In greater demand are bone bobbins, particularly those with sayings and/or names. These regularly sell for about 10GBP plus each (and can be much more for rare specimens). "I can think of no lacemakers local to yourselves who would be interested in making an offer - although I am sure they must be there somewhere ! "My advice would be to offer the lot on e-bay. This has a flourishing lace bobbin section which attracts bidders from around the lacemaking world. "Thank you for recognising this object as interest and a thing of some interest to the right person. If there is anything else we can do to help this happen, please get in touch." You will note from this that at no time did I give an opinion as to the age of the bobbins and/or pillow. Subsequent to this, without further contact or advice from me, the seller decided to list it on e-bay for 100GBP ! I was not impressed by this as they had essentially ignored my advice. During the week of the auction they reduced the offer price, received no bids and then relisted it at 10GBP! I then mailed the lister and pointed out that over-pricing (against my recommendation) had spoilt the sale. In addition, I reminded them that not using the correct terminology. despite my advice on the subject, was not helping. They replied in conciliatory fashion, corrected the terminology and added the reference to myself without my permission (apparently in the belief that they were doing me a favour). I repeat that I have not seen the pillow, etc and not met the seller. I have no interest, directly or indirectly, in the potential proceeds from the pillow and bobbins. Having said all that, it does appear that the lot is worth consideration starting from the now asking price. Buyers should however come to their own opinion as to value. Pat Hallam Nottingham, UK [EMAIL PROTECTED] Shop on-line at www.roseground.com - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
