Open Hand, Wonderful 19th Century Carved Bone Bodkin spruce root basketry What a tender hand hold

What a tender hand hold between them

but separated

I was drawn to the elusive and evocative DOT engraved in perfect trench art style on the face of this Dorcel lighter

5” tall x 3” wide x 1 1/4” thick

This Helen Jones--named on the back of the photo--looks like she was a force to be reconned with

Open Hand, Wonderful 19th Century Carved Bone Bodkin spruce root basketry What a tender hand hold(First photo is a composite, showing both sides.) Since finding a beautiful 19th century whaler made ladies leg bodkin with baleen inlays a few months ago, I've been paying very close attention to bodkins! Bodkins were once common ladies implements, used for making lace, threading ribbon or cord through fabric casings necklines, waistbands, etc, and more and so were common sweetheart gifts, made at sea to bring home. One sees closed fists somewhat