The Top 10 Antique Sewing Collectibles on the Market Today

The value of a humble sewing basketmade from reeds can be only a few dollars, but a 1960s Danish Modern sewing box, with all the smooth edges and clean lines of the style, can sell for between $70-$300 dollars.

A truly extraordinary 19th century example of a marquetry sewing box sold at Sotheby’s for just under $35,000a few years, so the value is really only as good as the craftsmanship on these versatile pieces.

7) Victorian Needle Cases

Like the pin cushions of the same era, the needle cases women back in the Victorian era were quite often very elaborate. We would say that even the plainer needle cases are quite charming. Today, we use sewing kits, pin cushions, or even paper scraps to hold our needles. But, back then a metal needle was a very fine instrument of rarity and precision and as such was kept quite safe in a special container that was purpose-made to hold them.

Ranging from carved wood or bone to chased silver to tortoise shell, needle cases came in different shapes and materials. Bone or sterling silver cases often sell for between $30-$100 a piece, but sets or collections can increase the value quite a bit. Some sterling cases can sell for over $1,000 if they are of exemplary design, quality, and weight.

6) Antique Dress forms

While they may be battered and bruised, antique dress forms can hold some value for collectors. The rustic look of a wooden dress form can be quite charming. And, piece like these are increasingly used in vintage clothing stores and as props for online sales.