68/389

A clamp-like object, made of sycamore wood and consisting of two half cylinders which can be held together by two wooden screws. The half cylinders have grooves within them to take the screws. Its purpose is unknown. It has been suggested that it may be for measuring uniform lengths of wool or rags for rug making, or that it may be a purse clamp.

1 clamp: wood

MERL ‘Handwritten Catalogue’ form – ‘PURSE CLAMP // 68/389 // CRAFTS Textile // ... // Wood. See SYLVIA GROVES 'Needlework tools' page 108. // Suggested use – measuring lengths of rag or wool for rugs? // Adjustable clamp more likely purse clamp. // Folds into one tube. // [insert] N.B. A similar item brought to the museum for identification Nov. 1970 – provenance unknown. [end insert] // [pencil drawing]', MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: // When was it used: // How was it used: // Where was it used: // Has it a local name: // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: // Who made it: // When was it made: // Where was it made: // From what materials is the object made: Sycamore // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: One catch missing // What are its approximate measurements: L. 9.5 in diam 1.6 in // Have you a photograph of the object: No // Has it any unusual characteristics: No information except that it was lying around in the donor’s house for many years. // Suggested use: For cutting uniform lengths of rug wool, or rag for rug making. However this shows no advantage over the usual grooved stick [sketch] except that it is adjustable [Andrew Jewell] // Additional information: // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object: [sketch]’