What Am I?

What do you think this is?

I found this awhile back at European Antique Market and fell in love with it’s worn patina and interesting shape.  I knew it had to be something special.

Drum roll, please………

It’s a French string holder. That’s right, a string holder.

 

This particular example is from the 19th century. Before we had adhesive tape, people had to make due with plain old string.  Can you imagine a French butcher using string around brown paper to tie up a rack of lamb or a florist carefully securing a bunch of roses? C’est magnifique. Even housewives had everyday uses for string.  It was definitely a go-to supply so it was important to be able to handle it efficiently.

Do you see the little hole on top where the string feeds through?  How convenient.   You could use the top decorative metal hook for a guide.

And, the best part is that is still has it’s original ball of yummy cotton string inside.

It still retains some of its original red tinted wash.  As do all things French, it has that certain je ne sais quoi.

I found some other images of antique string holders on the web that I wanted to share with you below:

 

 

 

They include a Victorian paper maché, an English beehive, and an awesome sterling silver example.  Sometimes the hole for the string is on the side.

 

 

It would look fabby displayed in a craft room or anywhere for that matter.

Do I keep it, or do I tuck it away in my French inventory for my future Etsy shop and antique mall booth?  What to do, what to do…

Blessings,

Kim

Linking up to:

{Primp} Your Stuff Wednesday at Michele Raven Designs

Whatever Wednesday at Momma Hen’s Coup

Voila! French Inspiration Thursday at French Cupboard

Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage

Treasure Hunt Thursday at From My Front Porch To Yours