Cast Iron Figural Swan Head Sewing Clamp This is a very interesting looking small sewing clamp that has a lot of character.  It is only about 3" tall and is finished in a gold wash. The casting is very nice, and the beaded decoration at the base is a nice touch.   It looks a lot like a swan head, and the lower part of the jaw swings in and is spring loaded to grip the fabric.  It works well. 

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Very Good + ........ $195.00     SOLD!

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Antique Figural Barracuda Sewing Clamp with Pincushion First there were just Plain Jane utilitarian sewing clamps to help seamstresses perform their tasks acting as third hands. Over time many different figural examples were made.  The were a number of patents issued for sewing clamps over the years and one for a sewing bird / clamp was issued in 1853.   Designs evolved to be more elaborate and clamps portrayed numerous other animals and creatures.   Many were custom made and are one of a kind creations and very rare.  That is the case with this example of a swimming Barracuda.  It is one I have never seen before.  It looks to date from the 19th century and may predate the 1853 patents that were issued for birds. 

This antique sewing clamp stands a bit over 9" tall and the Barracuda / fish is approx 5" long.  Every aspect is well done, from the turned screw to the cast the heart shaped / turnip shaped thumbscrew at the bottom.  The fish can swivel back and forth as though it is swimming.  The spring is good, and the Barracuda's teeth are cut to help hold fabric.  The design of the frame is great with its sweeps and chamfered sharp edges flowing into rounded ones.   A rare and unique specimen of a great form, and very unusual antique figural sewing clamp. 

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Excellent  ........ $995.00     SOLD!

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Sea Serpent / Snake Figural Brass Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion This is a very graphic and nicely designed sewing clamp with a figural critter head to hold the fabric, and a pin cushion over a needle drawer in a decorated box mounted on the frame behind the figural head.  It is about 5" tall, and just under 3" wide.  The red velvet cloth on the pincushion is original and shows some wear.  It has developed a nice patina and is a very unusual design. 

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Very Good ++ ........ $575.00     SOLD!

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Figural Butterfly Sewing Clamp w/ 2 Pincushions  This is one of the rarest of American sewing clamps that can be found.  This is one of  just a couple I have seen in over 25 years of looking for them.  It is nickel plated brass and the condition is fabulous.  The spring is very strong and the butterfly's mouth grips fabric very well.  There are two pin cushions and both appear to be original.  The butterfly itself measures about 3" long, and the entire clamp stands about 5" tall overall.

The butterfly sewing clamps were made under the same patent as the commonly seen sheet brass sewing birds that have the 1853 patent information stamped on the wing.   The other figural or animal forms  never really caught on, and while the sewing birds made under this patent are relatively common, even to the point of still being made today, the other versions, like this one, were only offered for a short period and quickly faded into history.  A rare find!  All original and ready for display. 

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Excellent - Very Good ++ ........ $1495.00     SOLD!

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Cast Iron Mallard Duck Head Sewing Clamp with Pincushion This antique sewing clamp stands just about 7" tall and the duck head is a bit over 6" long.  The head is cast iron and every aspect is highly detailed right down to the glass eyes.

The spring is present, and it grips fabric well.  The pincushion fabric is a red velvet that looks like it may have been replaced in the past.  But it is not as bright as my picture came out.  The bottom clamp is cast brass.  A seldom seen sewing clamp that has great form, and will be a highlight of the display.

Very Good ........ $695.00     SOLD!

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Cast Brass Mallard Duck Head Sewing Clamp with Pincushion This antique sewing clamp is similar to the cast iron one above.   It is cast brass and has a few other subtle differences.  It is not just a copy  or recast of that version.   It stands just about 7" tall but the duck head is only 5" long. The inside of the mouth is pebbled-like to create a gripping surface and from what I remember very much like a ducks tongue, or like a cats tongue if you have ever felt that.  The spring is good, and it grips fabric well.  

The holder for the pincushion has a series of holes along the edge to help with attaching the fabric---a nice design touch.  The pincushion fabric is a red velvet that looks like it may have been replaced.  This type of sewing clamp dates from the mid to late 19th century and is a great example of how the design and art of these devices evolved from simple utilitarian devices to pieces of art.   A wonderful example of a great figural sewing clamp.

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Very Good ........ $795.00     SOLD!

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Curly Cue Snake Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion This antique figural sewing clamp has a great double curly-cue shape.  It is very graphic and obviously represents a snake. 

The design of the spring loaded head / clamp is very different from the norm and works fine.  The spring loaded mounting clamp is also completely different from what is typically encountered.  You pull down on the spring loaded lever to open the jaws and it self-clamps into place.  It is an interesting design I have never seen used on a sewing clamp before.   The pincushion has decorative tucks that look to have been purposefully done to help create a look of petals or leaves. 

This antique snake form sewing clamp stands just about 7" tall and the tailed snake including the double loops is about 6" long .  This sewing clamp has a great look and is a unique one of a kind creation that will display very well and be a highlight of the different forms you can find. 

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Very Good ........ $995.00     SOLD!

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Reclining Dog / Irish Setter Figural Sewing Clamp w/ Pincushion This is only the third one of these unusual figural sewing clamps I have had in over 25 years of dealing in antiques and sewing birds / figural clamps and other sewing accessories.  I have seen just a few others in all that time offered for sale.  A rare bird, or dog in this instance!  

This figural sewing clamp has a great look, and great action.  The dog is sitting on his bed, that doubles as a pincushion or work holder.  You can open his mouth by pushing on the small lever between his feet.  This portion works fine.  It is approx 5" tall, and just over 3" long.  My understanding is that it was made under the same patent as the commonly seen patent dated sewing birds, but that these alternative forms were not popular back then and few were made.  It is not marked, but it is real, and a super rare piece, in super condition.  Opportunity is scratching at the door.

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Excellent - Very Good + ........ $1595.00     SOLD!

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Figural Elk / Reindeer Sewing Clamp w/ 2 Spool Pins This cast iron figural sewing clamp is a great piece of American folk art / Americana.  It transcends the category of sewing accessories and figural sewing clamps and is one of the nicest figural pieces of folk art I have ever handled. 

Look at the detail and construction of this rare piece.  It is truly a wonder that it survived intact the last 100 + years.  It is approx 9" tall, and just over 5" wide across the bone spool pins.  It is a one of a kind unique piece and will be a highlight and topic of conversation of any collection. 

A bit of provenance:  I first bought this sewing clamp about 20 years ago at a farm and engine show in the Midwest.  It was in a display case with a bunch of rare spark plugs and unusual wrenches.  It was not for sale.  It was on display.  I was impressed but also concerned as I knew the present owner was going to arrive the next day and he would be on this like........  I spent 3-4 hours with the fellow who owned it trying to get it out of the case.  He kept saying it was not for sale,  it was on display.  I kept asking why.  Finally I changed my tune and I made him an offer I can not even remember the details of.  It was substantial though, and he opened the case and handed it to me.  I held on to it for 2-3 years and then traded it for another great piece (a pencil sharpener) that was not for sale from the same fellow who was to show up the next day.   Now some 15 years later here it is again, and this time it has a price on it and trades are not an option.  A reindeer---think of it as a gift from Santa if you need an excuse.  A fleeting opportunity that will not repeat itself again for another 20 or more years if ever.   

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Excellent - Very Good + ........ $2975.00     SOLD!

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Cast Brass Figural Scaly Dog / Creature Sewing Clamp w/ Hook This is a very interesting looking sewing clamp that has just the hook you see at the tail to use to hold the work---usually referred to as a netting hook.  It is only about 4" tall and is a great casting.  It looks like a mythical creature with a dog head and scales to me.  It is otherwise unmarked.  Interesting!

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Very Good + ........ $325.00     SOLD!    

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Larry & Carole Meeker