Silver Bodkin, c.1620

An excellent engraved example of a      rare James I/Charles II period bodkin. Contemporary to manufacture      dot-pricked engraved initials "AP" can be to one side and the      piece is typically unmarked.

The main function of a bodkin was to thread bands of      cords through corsets and other items of clothing. The ribbon or cord was      threaded through the rectangular slit. Another use for bodkins was to      punch holes in leather and other textiles or to be used like a needle. The      small eye was used for hanging it up or suspending it from a belt or      chatelaine.

The small hollow at the terminal was used to pick earwax      out of the ear. The earwax was used for smoothing rough or frayed threads      in to usable pieces of sewing yarn!