Posted 11 years ago
crabbykins
(24 items)
I came across these interesting items the other day and I have not been able to figure out what exactly they are. The best idea that I have heard is that they are game pieces of some kind. They look to be hand carved ivory or bone. They are very detailed. Most of them look like oriental, possibly Japanesse, weapons. I found them in this box, which may or may not be where they belong. The only writing on the box is in english and says "New box adopted May 1st, 1911". The design on the box looks like it could be oriental. Who knows, they might not go together at all. Has anyone seen anything like this before or know any more information? I am stumped.
Thx for the love BELLIN68 and inky.
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Thx for the love blunderbuss2.
Could these be for appetizers, I wonder? Please have a look at this search string on Google images for antique ivory hors d'oeuvres skewers:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1093&bih=514&q=images+of+ivory+hors+d%27oeuvres+skewers&oq=images+of+ivory+hors+d%27oeuvres+skewers&gs_l=img.12...2274.42130.0.44959.32.10.2.20.22.0.156.740.5j5.10.0...0.0...1ac.1.2.img.1XT16ryq-90#hl=en&tbo=d&site=imghp&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=images+of+antique+ivory+hors+d%27oeuvres+skewers&oq=images+of+antique+ivory+hors+d%27oeuvres+skewers&gs_l=img.3...5713.7793.0.8911.8.8.0.0.0.1.116.808.3j5.8.0...0.0...1c.1.2.img.OwXFH9xEQb4&fp=1&biw=1093&bih=514&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&cad=b&sei=faQRUd7sLeLu0gH-1YCQAQ&imgrc=ZMun7tOnsn6j_M%3A%3Bh09P54zPN91yuM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimg3.etsystatic.com%252F000%252F0%252F5587124%252Fil_170x135.301708943.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.etsy.com%252Fsearch_results.php%253Fsearch_type%253Dall%2526includes%25255B%25255D%253Dtags%2526search_query%253Dhors%3B170%3B135
The design on the front of the box is not Oriental, but I suppose that these could have been sold or presented in such a box. It's a beautiful box. Very interesting ivory 'sticks'. Great show and tell!! : )
Thx for the love trunkman.
miKKoChristmas11, I looked at the link for the hors d'oeuvres skewers. I have seen quite a few of these in my travels, but they usually have a forked type end. I had originally thought maybe toothpicks of some kind. While most of the pieces could work as a skewer, there are a few that would be awkward, such as numbers 5, 13, 14 and 15. It is possible though. Thanks for the imput, I appreciate the help.
As far as the box is concerned, I really have no idea. The graphic is intact on the sides but not on the top. I am guessing that the top would have given more detail as to what was supposed to be in it.
Oh, you're right about Nos. 5, 13, 14, and 15. You have a very good eye! Let's hope someone recognizes these fascinating objects soon. Thanks for your kind responses! : )
Thx for the love Ted_Straub.
Thx AR8Jason.
Thank you for the love Phil.
Hello, I think you have some spillikins. They were made in China and often shaped to resemble weapons. The idea was that you spilled them in a heap then attempted to pick out individual sticks without disturbing the rest. Awkward shapes were more difficult to move and so were worth more. A hooked stick (like the one on the far right) would be used to pick up the others. Your set looks to be well made and in very good condition, but I think it's probably a lot older than the box.
I agree with Spiko. They are also called Jack Straws and I had a plastic set when I was a kid.
Something similar:
http://www.finch-and-co.co.uk/antiquities/d/napoleonic-prisoner-of-war-work-finely-fretcut-bone-set-of-spellicans-or-jack-straws/63911
Thank you for the info Spiko and MawamaMama. I really appreciate it.