This is the place to come to learn about Avery style needle cases.

Punch

No example of this needle case has been found to date and it is unknown whether it was actually produced.  If you have this needle case in your possession or know of someone who has it, please contact us so that photographs of it can be obtained and added to the this website.

Punch needle case
Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

Thomas Kendrick - Birmingham

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class 1: Metal: #266572 (Provisional Design #1045 registered February 7, 1872)

Patent/Design Registration Date:

September 24, 1872

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/32/266572
TNA Register - BT 44/3/266572

Dimensions:

Unknown

Material:

Unknown

Name Variations:

Unknown

Other Variations:

Unknown

Facts

A Punch and Judy performance is an iconic British puppet show that is executed by a single puppeteer inside a booth.  An assistant on the outside entices passersby to stop and see the show and sells tickets.  Historically each performance consisted of a series of short violent scenes including one where Judy arrives and leaves their baby with Punch who proceeds to drop the child or toss it into the audience.  When Judy returns she is outraged, so Punch whacks her with his stick.  In another scene a policeman arrives to investigate and Punch uses his stick to beat him as well.

Punch and Judy facts

History

The Punch and Judy show is loosely based on the 16th century Italian comedy character named Pulcinella which was anglicized to Punchinello.  The first performance in Britain with marionettes (puppets on strings) dates to 1662 in Covent Garden in London.  However since marionette productions were expensive, difficult to set up and cumbersome to move, by the late 18th century they had given way to gloved-puppet shows performed in a lightweight booth.  During the Victorian Era this booth became more elaborate and Punch and Judy were very popular at seaside resorts.

Punch and Judy history

Miscellaneous

Punch and Judy shows, like the one seen below, are still found in many areas of Britain today, however, they have adapted to current social norms.  For example Punch is no longer quite as violent, Judy has much more say and the child is neither dropped nor tossed.  However, their popularity has declined since most people prefer to travel overseas rather than visit the seaside resorts where they were a popular tradition in Victorian times.  Although some areas have attempted to ban these performances due to their violent nature, they have been unsuccessful because people still enjoy seeing them.

Punch and Judy misc