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

Swan

Swan needle case
Needle Case (photographs courtsey of Bunny's Place)


Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural

Patent/Registered to:

William Avery & Son - Redditch

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class1: Metal: #274363

Patent/Design Registration Date:

July 11, 1873

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/34/274363
TNA Register - BT 44/3/274363

Dimensions:

4 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 3 (these dimensions are in inches rather than centimeters)

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

W. Avery & Son - Redditch

Other Variations:

None

Additional Photographs

Front and side with top off

Bottom and signature detail

Facts

The swan is one of the largest waterfowl and flying birds known to man.  Most swans are white and their young, called cygnets, are born gray and turn white as they grow older.  Since swans are known to aggressively protect their nests, they are now used in the USA as one of the nation’s first working birds.  Many suburban businesses have ponds that attract Canadian geese who are often considered pests because of their droppings, noise, and confrontational behavior.  Commercially raised swan pairs are placed in these ponds along with nesting materials and feed.  The swans mate and raise their young, while at the same time intimidating or attacking any geese who dare to enter their territory.  There is nothing more refreshing for an office worker than a quick walk around the company's pond during a break to see the elegant swans knowing they won’t have to worry about stepping in something unpleasant!

Swan facts

History

Since ancient times the swan has been the symbol of beauty and grace.  However, in 12th century England the swan was given royal status when all unmarked mute swans along certain sections of the Thames River and its tributaries became the property of the Crown.  This was done to ensure an ample supply of meat for royal banquets and feasts since swan was considered a luxury food at that time.  As a result the ceremony known as Swan Upping, where swans along the Thames are counted and their new cygnets marked, was created.  Swan Upping continues to this day, however sometime during the 19th century the turkey replaced the swan as the main dish at feasts or holidays such as Christmas.  The chromolithographic print below depicts swans during the Victorian period.  Click on the picture to see a larger version of it.

Swan history

Miscellaneous

In 1843 the Danish poet Hans Christian Anderson first published his fairy tale entitled “The Ugly Duckling”.  The story centers around a cygnet that accidently ends up in the nest of a duck family on a farm.  Because of the cygnet’s unattractive appearance, he is abused by the other barnyard animals.  Eventually he matures and becomes the most beautiful of birds, the white swan.  This story is especially important today as society has begun to stress the importance of reducing childhood bullying.

Swan misc