Bodkins
Nantucket History & People

Odds Bodkins! Antiques Snippets

Commonly asked questions and misunderstandings about antiques… and the odd or end fascinating bit!

Bodkins The wee cousin to a marlin spike or fid, these little ivory or bone carved “needles” are the most common form of scrimshaw. Sailors crafted bodkins in an endless variety of forms and sizes, presents for their dearly missed sweethearts and sisters. The simple yet crucial little tools were used for making lace, making holes in fabric or leather, or many other similar seamstress tasks.

Antiques Snippets are provided by Jack Fritsch, proprietor of the Antiques Depot at 2 S. Beach Street (across from the Nantucket Yacht Club) NantucketAntiquesDepot.com .

Articles by Date from 2012