Factors That Influence Value

This text has been divided into the sections listed below to make it easier for individuals to find the information for which they are most interested.
Introduction
Rarity
Subject Matter
Design Complexity/Detail
Condition
Patina
Sentimental Value
Summary

Introduction

As with many antiques and collector’s items it is difficult to place a value on an Avery needle case. Part of the problem is these types of objects often go in and out of style. When they are popular and demand is high prices go up, but then when items are readily available or there is an economic crisis, one finds the prices drop. Currently collecting sewing tools seems to be very popular among baby boomers and earlier generations but will they remain popular in the future? One reason for this could be that many of these collectors participated in some aspect of sewing at one point in their lives: embroidery, crochet, knitting, quilting, needlepoint, dress making, etc. In fact, during the 1970’s and 1980’s sewing was so popular companies like Hallmark created thimble Christmas ornaments and the Franklin Mint designed a series of collector thimbles which sold for $12.95 each. Much like the Avery needles cases of their day, a large quantity were produced and the economy was such that spending this amount for a thimble of the month was a common practice. Today those same thimbles sell for only a fraction of their original cost. Avery needle cases went through a similar history, being very popular a hundred years earlier in the 1870’s and 1880’s when Victorian women spent considerable time each day engaged in needlework. After that brief period, many became damaged or discarded and the few surviving ones were often packed up and stored in the attic for years until family members discovered them and they were sold at estate sales or through antique dealers. At first, they sold for fairly reasonable prices. Later, when the baby boomers who participated in sewing as a hobby become interested in collecting them, their prices began to increase. Avery needle cases became even more popular after 1990 when Estelle Horowitz and Ruth Mann published their book “Victorian Brass Needlecases”.

The question this brings to mind is since sewing is not as common with the younger generation today, will collecting needle cases or other needlework tools remain as popular in the future? With all of the technological advances in the last 25 years and now the widespread use of social media as a hobby, it seems likely that the trend in collecting older items will change. Someday Avery needle cases may end up like the thimbles mentioned above, worth less than what they sold for at an earlier time. The good news is today’s collectors usually are not purchasing needle cases as an investment or in order to sell them one day, we purchase them because we like them and they are fun to collect. For this reason, rather than creating a price guide for individual Avery needle cases, which could be outdated in a few years, a discussion of the factors influencing their value seems more appropriate. However, before we go there let’s take a quick look at what is going on in the market today.

There has been considerable discussion in the past few years regarding the value of Avery needle cases. Some think seeing items for sale on eBay or other similar auction sites at very high reserves or buy-it-now prices is an indication of their value. These prices are often discounted in an attempt to convince the buyer they are getting a better deal even though the posted prices are still extremely high. However, do they ever sell at these prices? Frequently all this does is cause others, who have no idea how much an item is worth, to list their Avery needle case at a high price as well only to discover the item never sells at that price. If a needle case is listed on eBay with a high price for an extended period of time and doesn’t sell, its value is overstated.

One would think if we monitor sold auctions over a period of years, an item’s value would be discovered. Of course, inflation rates would also need to be taken into consideration for sales occurring in the past. On the other hand, what about those items that are a bit rarer, the ones we do not see for sale very often? What are they really worth? Simply monitoring sold auctions does not explain why in 2008 the Arts and Industry needle case sold for $3,682 whereas one in similar condition sold for $894 in 2015. Antique appraisers suggest the median value is a more accurate figure rather than using the highest or lowest purchase prices which would indicate the Arts and Industry’s value to be around $2,288. Using this approach, it appears the person in 2008 over paid while the one in 2015 got a real bargain! Some say an item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it at the time it is being sold. One explanation for the huge difference in price in the example described above, is some buyers are willing to pay any amount for something they really want. All it takes is two people wanting the same thing and having sufficient funds to set the price high, whereas the majority of collectors would never consider paying as much. Later, once these two have the item in their collections, others are able to obtain the same piece for a fraction of the cost. So, how can we determine an item’s worth? Aren’t there other factors which influence value?

Rather than focusing on market value, which can fluctuate significantly as seen with the Arts and Industry needle case, a more in-depth look at the features that influence their value is essential. Several factors should to be taken into consideration when determining the value of an Avery needle case: 1) rarity; 2) subject matter; 3) design complexity/detail; 4) condition including missing, restored or replaced parts; 5) patina; and for many 6) sentimental value. What follows is a discusion of how each of these can impact an item’s worth.

Rarity

Rarity is thoroughly discussed on the Rarest and Most Common Designs webpage. The methodology used to assign each Avery needle case design to one of the six rarity categories listed below is covered in detail. The rarer the item, the more valuable it is.

Rarity Categories

-- Never seen
-- Only seen once or twice in 20 years
-- Seen three to ten times in 20 years
-- Usually seen once or twice in a 1 to 2-year period
-- Usually seen several times a year
-- Almost always available

Subject Matter

Another criteria that makes an item special and more valuable is the subject matter. Although some subjects are in general more appealing than others there is a degree of subjectivity involved here because each person has their own ideas of what makes a specific topic special. For example, the Trunk with Grain is simply not as attractive as some other needle cases. Although we see the intricate design in the wood grain, leather straps and the lock and hinge, this piece just doesn’t bring a smile to one’s face like so many other Avery needle cases do. And this is especially true for women since most of these needle cases were originally designed to appeal to them and they are also the majority of today’s collectors. Now let’s look at the Bird’s Nest Pin Case. It is simply gorgeous with the little bird perched on a tree branch next to its nest filled with three tiny eggs. Even though it is rare and the detail is amazing, a big part of what makes it attractive is the subject matter. It especially appeals to women because the theme of a bird and eggs reminds us of a mother and her children.

The Eiffel Tower is another example where the subject matter has widespread appeal. Seeing it conjures up thoughts of something special: the World’s Fair, the progress of mankind in the ability to construct such a spectacular building, endurance as the building still exists today and lastly, it is the symbol of France and of course Paris, the City of Lights with its romantic overtones.

It seems only natural that needle case subjects with universal appeal should be valued more than ones with less inspiring themes. Examples of items with subject matter that some collectors feel enhances their value are listed below in order with the most valuable listed first.

Subject Matter Categories

Needle Case Examples

Impressive subject for figural needle cases	Arts & Industry Bird’s Nest Pin Case Butterfly Cock Robin’s Grave Eiffel Tower Fans - all six versions Leaning Tower of Pisa Peacock Needle Case Sedan Chair Shield with Ladies Portrait Shield with Rose Swan Swan Needle and Pin Case Valentine Wishing Well
Very interesting subject for figural needle cases	Bower Butterfly-Filigree Cradle Dog on Plinth Hedgehog Hedgehog Needle and Pin Case Punch and Judy Theater Rose Pin Case Sewing Beetle on Plinth Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Large Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Small Umbrella Windmill
Above average subject for figural needle cases	Arc de Triomphe Archery Society Bee Case Bird on a Box Butterfly Box - Diamond Butterfly Box - Oval Tub Cleopatra’s Needle Hygrometer/Weather house Lap Desk-Diamond Jubilee Lighthouse and Boat Lion Lying on Plinth Oval Tub-Diamond Jubilee Temple Bar Walnut on Leaf
Average subject for figural needle cases and above average subject for non-figural needle cases	All figural needle cases not mentioned above plus these non-figural needle cases: Albert Needle Case Louise-Folding Nosegay Quad-Diamond Jubilee Quad-Sterling Silver - Floral Pattern Revolving Unique
Average subject for non-figural needle cases	All non-figural (Accordion-Folding, Demi-Quad, Flat-Names and Quadruples) not listed above

Design Complexity/Detail

One of the features that makes some Avery needle cases more valuable than others is their incredible complexity and detail. This can be represented in several ways: 1) design complexity; 2) cut out detail; and 3) the degree of design detail stamped or engraved onto the brass.

By design complexity we mean the number of pieces that make up the item and the number of bends, tabs, hinges, latches, catches, etc. necessary to create the item. For example, the Hedgehog needle case is only composed of two stamped sections which snap together whereas the Invalid Chair consists of ten separate pieces held together in a variety of ways, mostly with tabs passed through slots and bent to hold the pieces in place but also with one piece that appears to be soldered onto another. With more pieces there is a much greater chance one will be damaged or lost during the 125 years plus since its original production.

There are a few Avery style needle cases with cut out detail which not only enhances the design but also makes them much more fragile. Items with tiny pieces that could easily break off are also more valuable. When these survive without being damaged it is almost a miracle. Just look at the Eiffel Tower needle case or Cock Robin’s Grave and note how thin and fragile the individual pieces are. Most likely the majority of these items did not survive because pieces broke off and then the item was deemed worthless and as a result, was frequently thrown away.

Additionally, the amount, degree and intricacy of the design pressed into the brass or engraved onto it adds to its complexity and as a result its value. Items with deeply stamped decoration are more valuable because the design is more clearly delineated. For example, look at the Coal Scuttle. Not only does it have beautifully defined garden tools and musical instruments stamped on the front and sides, but it also contains elaborately engraved flowers and leaves running along the front and side panels.

Examples of items with design complexity/detail features that enhance their value are listed below in order with the most valuable listed first.

Complexity/Detail Categories

Needle Case Examples

Contains interesting cut-out parts or is composed of six or more separate pieces or contains outstanding stamped design detail	Arts and Industry Bower Butter Churn Butterfly Butterfly-Filigree Chair Coal Scuttle Cock Robin’s Grave Cradle Eiffel Tower Golden Cart Guitar Invalid Chair Leaning Towner of Pisa Peacock Needle Case Punch and Judy Theater Sedan Chair Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Large Shield with Lady’s Portrait Shield with Rose Work and Game Table Windmill Wishing Well
Contains some cut-out pieces or has very good stamped design	Archery Society Arctic Sledge Bath Chair Bird on a Box Cleopatra’s Needle Hygrometer/Weather House Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Small Shield with Bird Shield with Stag Head Quad-Silver - Floral Pattern Quad-Silver - Geometric Pattern Temple Bar Trolley and Box Wheelbarrow with Holly Wheelbarrow with Roses
Above average complexity	Louise-Folding Nosegay Revolving Unique
Average complexity	All needle cases not listed in the above categories including most Accordion-Folding, Demi-Quads, Flat-Names and Quadruples

Condition

An item’s condition also plays a huge role in determining value. Is the item discolored or are there signs of corrosion? Are any pieces missing? Are parts bent, crooked or twisted? Do the catches/latches still work? Are the tiny tabs in place that hold the individual pieces together or have they broken off after years of use? If the item has an interior section, are pieces missing from it? Has the item been repaired and if so, does the repair or replaced part fit well with the overall design or does it stand out and look odd? One needs to examine an item very carefully to ascertain if pieces have been replaced. Although a few minor bends and a missing catch here and there have a minor effect on the value, missing a significant piece diminishes an item’s appeal. For example, the Butterfly needle case is often seen missing one or both antenna and occasionally has a small piece of wire inserted as a replacement. Although this might appear to be a minor issue it is a significant part of the overall design and therefore diminishes the value. The Camp Kettle is sometimes found with a replaced or missing lid. If one looks at the original, with its intricately engraved flowers and leaves, one can see the replaced lid is just not as interesting. Another example is the Beehive Skep missing the bee which is an integral part of that design. More details about missing or replaced parts can be found on the Variation webpage.

Note: If you do have an item with bent, crooked or twisted pieces, please do not attempt to bend these back to their original positions as they are fragile and highly likely to break off significantly reducing its value. If you feel compelled to repair these, a competent jeweler or other professional should be of help.

Another factor to consider regarding condition is surface finish. Some sellers or collectors have polished their needle cases with a strong solution in an attempt to improve their appearance. Not only does this often cause the item to be too bright and shiny but also, if done frequently, will start to remove some of the fine detail in the brass. Once the stamped or engraved detail’s clarity is reduced, the item’s appeal and value falls dramatically.

The five condition categories listed here are most often used when describing antiques. Additional comments are added to clarify each of these as they relate specifically to Avery needle cases.

Condition Categories

Description

Mint	Complete, fully functional, perfect finish, no damage
Excellent	Fully functional, good finish (minimal wear or discoloration), no damage
Good	Fully functional, may have minor loss or replacement part that does not detract from overall appearance (e.g. missing catch on Bee or Hatbox), minor wear and/or discoloration, competent repair with compatible replacement part (replacement part - ball on umbrella instead of point, wheel or handle on wheelbarrow, drawer handle on large Shakespeare’s Birthplace)
Fair	May have a small missing part (e.g. missing antennae on Butterfly, handle on Camp Kettle, chain on Wishing Well), fully functional, noticeable wear or discoloration, minor corrosion or damage due to combination of dents, split or bends
Poor	Missing significant parts, missing or non-functioning mechanism(s), unappealing finish (significant wear and/or discoloration), major corrosion, major loss of shape, poor repair work

Note: These condition categories and comments were created by Lynda Herrod for Thimble Collectors International with assistance from other collectors.

Patina

Some items are naturally more attractive than others due in large part to the item’s patina. What we mean by patina is the color of the surface of the needle case. Many think patina is only something that comes with age, when a metal object is exposed to the air over an extended period of time. Although this is true for many needle cases, some patinas are the result of chemicals or other treatments added at the time the item was produced. A few items were intentionally bronzed, resulting in a dull dark brown color, as this was a popular finish during the Victorian Period. The amount of copper and zinc used to create the brass also gives an item a specific appearance ranging from bright gold to a coppery orange tint. However, some patinas are just more attractive than others. For example, almost everyone naturally prefers a bright golden colored brass because we associate it with gold, a metal highly valued in our culture. Therefore, something that appears bright gold is more appealing and, as a result, more valuable.

The six patina categories listed here are most often used when describing the surface finish of Avery needle cases. They are listed in order with the most valuable listed first.

Patina Categories

-- Gold - at least 9 carat (the Lady Mayoress Quadruple is the only known example in gold)
-- Silver (all needle cases made in silver are hallmarked, only three Quadruples are known to exist in silver)
-- Golden colored brass
-- Copper tinted brass
-- Nickel-silver or nickel-plated
-- Dull brown brass

Sentimental Value

For many collectors, an item’s sentimental value is the most important. For example, the needle case was a gift from your mother or perhaps was the first one you purchased, or better yet was both a gift from mom and the first one obtained for your collection. An heirloom is another example of something with sentimental value especially if the piece was passed down from your grandmother to your mother and now to you. Or perhaps you purchased the Shakespeare’s Birthplace needle case because it reminded you of the day when your husband proposed after taking you to see the movie Romeo and Juliet. Although these items will always hold special value to you above and beyond their true value, other collectors will not cherish them as you do. Because sentimental value is purely subjective, it should not be taken into consideration when assessing the monetary value of an item.

Summary

When purchasing a needle case from online auctions such as eBay you don’t have the opportunity to examine it as closely as if seeing it in person. This diminishes your ability to review it against all of the criteria mentioned here which determine the item’s value. Therefore, you must always look at the auction photographs extra carefully and compare them to known examples of the item from books, guides and websites such as the Avery Needle Case Resource Center. If your review indicates a missing piece or causes you to question something, write down all of your concerns and questions. Then email these to the seller in order to have all of the facts before purchasing the item. And if the seller doesn’t respond or fails to answer all of your questions, perhaps the item is not as it appears in the photos. Most responsible sellers will go out of their way to answer your questions and provide additional photographs when requested.

After giving it much thought, it should be noted that each criteria discussed here doesn’t have the same degree of importance when determining an item’s value. For example, rarity is much more significant in calculating value than subject matter, complexity, patina or even condition. Most collectors wouldn’t mind having a needle case with a few bends or a missing catch if it was the only one of its kind seen in the past five years. However, with that said, consideration should be given to each of the criteria mentioned here if one is to truly assess the value of an individual needle case.