Silver Hedgehog Pin Cushion, 1905 A&LLtd

The hedgehog is probably the most suited of all animals to perform as a pin cushion and this Edwardian silver example is a fine specimen of the type.

The Birmingham outfit of Adie & Lovekin were one of the best and most prolific of the speciality "toy" silversmiths of the late 19th and early 20th centuries and they made some ingenious novelties. This hedgehog has a series of holes so that pins can be inserted through and held by the internal stuffing - the overall effect of a full compliment is a very spiny hedgehog!

The manufacture of novelty animal pin cushions coincided and are likely to be associated with the popular Edwardian books of Beatrix Potter - Mrs Tiggy-Winkle being the most famous of her hedgehog characters.

This silver pin cushion is in excellent condition with good detail to the charming face.