Wishing Well

Wishing Well needle
case
Needle Case

Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:	Figural
Patent/Registered to:	W. Avery & Son - Redditch
Patent/Design Representation #:	Ornamental Class1: Metal: #300679
Patent/Design Registration Date:	May 22, 1876
Location of Patent/Design Registration:	The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK
Reference #:	TNA Representation - BT 43/40/300679 TNA Register - BT 44/3/300679
Dimensions:	4.9 x 6.5 x 6.5
Material:	Brass
Name Variations:	a) W. Avery & Son – Redditch b) C. G. Wacker & Co- Redditch c) W. Whiteley - Westbourne Grove
Other Variations:	None

Additional Photographs

Front and side views

Front with roof open showing place for needle packets and bottom

Well base closed and open

Well base detail and bottom Avery signature detail

Roof exterior detail and well side detail

Left bottom: Wacker signature detail (photo courtesy of Elaine Warden). Right bottom: Whiteley signature detail (photo from eBay)

Facts

A wishing well is a well or pool of water where one can throw a coin and make a wish. Wells were originally dug in the ground in search of water. Stone or wooden structures were built around them so the water could more easily be extracted and protected. Most of todays wishing wells are either man-made fountains which people think are lucky or natural springs which are believed to have special powers.

Wishing well facts

History

Throughout history many cultures considered drinkable water to be a gift from the gods due to its importance as a resource for human survival. Early Pagans believed the guardian of the well would grant their wish if they gave an offering or sacrifice. Over time, this practice evolved into tossing coins into wells as payment to the deity to grant a wish. The wishing well became a popular feature in Victorian gardens.

Wishing well history

Miscellaneous

Wishing well misc

The most unique wishing well in the world can be found in Sydney, Australia near the Queen Victoria Building at Bicentennial Plaza. It includes a bronze statue of Queen Victoria's favorite dog sculpted around 1985 by Justin Robson, a local artist. One feature that makes this wishing well extra special is the dog talks, asking onlookers to make a wish and leave a donation. All monies deposited in the well are used to assist deaf and blind children. Click on the picture below to see the wishing well in action. Be sure to turn on your speakers.