Antique & Vintage Sewing Accessories
Sewing Tapes / Tape Measures
Most of the sewing related antiques you will find on this and our other Sewing Accessories pages originated from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan, and were part two large and diverse antique sewing collections we are handling on consignment. This is the first time most of these pieces have been out on the market in many years.
The tape measures from these collections include those made from celluloid, porcelain, fabric, plastic, and assorted metals. A large selection of the tape measures below are combination tapes and pin cushions, and many are female figurines or dolls in "costume". Note the group shot of them above to get a sense of the many different variations that can be found---big / small and in-between. Most are in excellent like-new condition even though most date from around WWII and the years immediately following.
Figural
Blue Bonnet Pincushion / Tape
This Half Doll ceramic pincushion is about 5 1/2" tall and portrays
a young girl, which is somewhat unusual. It is
unmarked.
Very Good ........ $10.00 EJ-S-1775
Dutch
Lady Doll Pincushion / Tape
This pin cushion / tape measure is a tad over 5 " tall. It is still in
its original packaging and has an original price tag of 39 cents on it. It
is marked Japan and I imagine dates from the 1950's. It looks like
something one would find in the 99 Cent Store today, but would be marked China. Only
this has lasted 50-75 years now and her rubber face is still soft and pliable.
Very Good ........ $25.00 EJ-S-1776
Oriental
Doll Pincushion / Tape
This is by the same maker and from the same era as the new-old-stock one above.
Very Good ........ $15.00 EJ-S-1779
Peasant
Girl Pincushion / Tape
This is by the same maker and from the same era as the others above.
I'm not quite sure what country she represents.
Nice condition!
Very Good ........ $15.00 EJ-S-1780
Scandinavian Lady Pincushion / Tape This pin cushion / tape measure is a tad over 4 " tall. On this one the tape measure comes out of the front rather than the back of the skirt. She is a little bald on the back of her head.
Good - ........ $10.00 EJ-S-1781
Lady Pincushion / Tape
This pin cushion / tape measure is a tad over 5 " tall. Its base is a bit
different from the others. I'm not quite sure what to call her---Let's go with "Party Girl",
or maybe "Cat in the Hat"!
Very Good ........ $15.00 EJ-S-1782
Betsy
Ross Pincushion / Tape This ceramic pin cushion and tape combo measures a tad
under 5 " tall. Its base has a Japan Enesco sticker on it. It depicts
Betsy Ross sewing up the first 13 star flag.
Good+ ........ $40.00 EJ-S-1788
Figural
Pincushion / Tape
This pin cushion measures a tad under 10 " tall. She is a bit
top heavy, and it looks almost like one of those figural hat stands, but it is
not big enough for that. There is a tag affixed to the base that says it
is from the Carson Pirie Scott Co. Budget Store.
Click
for Pic
Very Good ........ $10.00 EJ-S-1777
Globe Pincushion / Tape
This tape measure / pin cushion measures a tad under 5" tall. Take
a look at the other globe pincushion below to get a sense of "my way" / "your way".
Very Good ........ $15.00 EJ-S-1789
Globe Pincushion / Tape
This pin cushion measures a tad under 5 " tall. Take
a look at the other globe pincushion above to get a sense of "my way" / "your way".
I wonder what this person's sewing projects turned out like! Different
strokes for different folks!
Very Good ........ $10.00 EJ-S-1802
Tomato Pincushion / Tape
/ Thimble Holder
This one serves a triple function and measures a tad under 3 " tall to the top of the thimble
holder. Cute!
Very Good ........ $5.00 EJ-S-1803
Tomato
Pincushion / Needle Emery
This pin cushion has a strawberry needle emery hanging from it!
Keep your needles sharp and keep them handy.
Very Good ........ $10.00 EJ-S-1804