I looks like a giant’s nappy pin. It was suggested it is a kilt pin, but way too big, then it was suggested it was for keeping a cardigan/wrap closed, but once again too thick, as it would leave a gaping hole in any fabric. Is it a stitch holder for knitting? No, too short and once again too thick and difficult to open.
A google search using their image search revealed the truth. It is a Risdon Key Tag, although this one is a different brand.
They were designed with the flat surface over the clip to enable a number or name to be stamped on it. They had various uses, one being for sailors to close their laundry bags, another being to “lock out” machinery while it was being worked on, so that no one could accidentally start up the machine.
So, not at all textile related, but still an interesting talking point collectable.
1 comment:
Interesting… what did we do before google??
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