Antique Mauchline Ware Tartan Ware Cylindrical Pin Case / Needle Case, McPherson Tartan
Antique Mauchline Ware Tartan Ware Cylindrical Pin Case / Needle Case, McPherson Tartan
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Item Title: Antique Mauchline Ware Tartan Ware Cylindrical Pin Case / Needle Case, McPherson Tartan
**Additional Description:** A slim cylindrical lidded case covered in red, green, black and yellow tartan, with the lid labeled "McPherson" in gold lettering near the top. The lid slips over a bare wood collar on the base. Inside are several old pins with dark round heads. Cylinders of this shape were typically used as needle, pin, or toothpick cases, and are sometimes called "pin cylinders" or "sewing etuis."
**Era:** Mid-to-late Victorian, c. 1850-1880 (within the broader c. 1840s-1900 Tartan Ware period).
**History:** Tartan Ware is a type of Mauchline Ware made in and around Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland, and by other Scottish makers. Pale woods such as sycamore were turned on a lathe, covered with printed tartan paper, and heavily lacquered. Queen Victoria's love of the Highlands and Balmoral fueled demand, and these pieces were sold to Victorian tourists as souvenirs. Tartans were often labeled by clan name, as with this "McPherson" example. Small turned sewing accessories like this were a staple of the trade.
**Provenance:** Unknown. Please add any known ownership history, purchase location, or family information here.
**Materials:** Turned wood (likely sycamore or similar pale wood) with printed tartan paper covering and a clear lacquer finish. The interior and collar are bare, unfinished wood.
**Dimensions:** Not provided. It appears to be roughly 2.75 in (7 cm) tall and 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, judging by the hand in the photos. Please measure to confirm before listing.
**Disclaimers / Condition:** Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The lacquer is darkened with light scratches and minor scuffing. There is a visible vertical seam or small lifting in the tartan paper on the upper section, and a few small spots of lacquer or paper loss near the lid edge and base. The tartan pattern remains crisp, with strong color. The bare wood collar shows light soiling and small nicks. The lid fits the base. Old pins remain inside and are included as found. The piece has not been professionally authenticated, and the description reflects visual assessment only. Please review all photos.
**Value:** Estimated retail value of $50-$120 USD. The clear clan label, crisp tartan printing, and well-fitting lid support the upper end, while the paper seam and minor lacquer wear hold it back. Check recent sold listings (eBay sold, LiveAuctioneers, Etsy) for comparable tartan ware pin or needle cases before pricing, as the market varies by tartan name, size, and condition.
Item Title: Antique Mauchline Ware Tartan Ware Cylindrical Pin Case / Needle Case, McPherson Tartan
**Additional Description:** A slim cylindrical lidded case covered in red, green, black and yellow tartan, with the lid labeled "McPherson" in gold lettering near the top. The lid slips over a bare wood collar on the base. Inside are several old pins with dark round heads. Cylinders of this shape were typically used as needle, pin, or toothpick cases, and are sometimes called "pin cylinders" or "sewing etuis."
**Era:** Mid-to-late Victorian, c. 1850-1880 (within the broader c. 1840s-1900 Tartan Ware period).
**History:** Tartan Ware is a type of Mauchline Ware made in and around Mauchline, Ayrshire, Scotland, and by other Scottish makers. Pale woods such as sycamore were turned on a lathe, covered with printed tartan paper, and heavily lacquered. Queen Victoria's love of the Highlands and Balmoral fueled demand, and these pieces were sold to Victorian tourists as souvenirs. Tartans were often labeled by clan name, as with this "McPherson" example. Small turned sewing accessories like this were a staple of the trade.
**Provenance:** Unknown. Please add any known ownership history, purchase location, or family information here.
**Materials:** Turned wood (likely sycamore or similar pale wood) with printed tartan paper covering and a clear lacquer finish. The interior and collar are bare, unfinished wood.
**Dimensions:** Not provided. It appears to be roughly 2.75 in (7 cm) tall and 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter, judging by the hand in the photos. Please measure to confirm before listing.
**Disclaimers / Condition:** Good antique condition with age-appropriate wear. The lacquer is darkened with light scratches and minor scuffing. There is a visible vertical seam or small lifting in the tartan paper on the upper section, and a few small spots of lacquer or paper loss near the lid edge and base. The tartan pattern remains crisp, with strong color. The bare wood collar shows light soiling and small nicks. The lid fits the base. Old pins remain inside and are included as found. The piece has not been professionally authenticated, and the description reflects visual assessment only. Please review all photos.
**Value:** Estimated retail value of $50-$120 USD. The clear clan label, crisp tartan printing, and well-fitting lid support the upper end, while the paper seam and minor lacquer wear hold it back. Check recent sold listings (eBay sold, LiveAuctioneers, Etsy) for comparable tartan ware pin or needle cases before pricing, as the market varies by tartan name, size, and condition.