'Stork' Ribbon Threaders, 1811

These are a rare pair of Georgian silver ribbon threaders in the form of a stork. They can stand upright on the four claws attached to one of the finger rings and have a series of parallel teeth inside the bill (akin to a file) for grasping. The part hallmarks are located on the finger rings and include the maker's mark of the most important flatware makers of the late Georgian period. These ribbon threaders have a good feel in the hand and are of sturdy construction. They remain in excellent condition with neither damage nor repair.

The recognised use for these implements is ribbon threading, however an alternative for tying up the umbilical cord after birth has been suggested.