Antique Victorian Clan Stuart Tartan Ware Thread Waxer

A charming Victorian Scottish Tartan Ware thread waxer decorated in the Clan Stuart tartan.

This small cylindrical sewing accessory is made from turned wood with printed tartan decoration beneath a glossy varnished finish. One end is clearly titled “Clan Stuart” in gilt lettering, while both ends are finished with decorative gilt wavy borders.

The pale central section is the wax used for conditioning sewing thread. The thread would be drawn across the wax before stitching, helping to smooth and strengthen it and making it easier to pass through fabric.

Despite its diminutive size, this is a particularly attractive example of Victorian Tartan Ware and an appealing addition to a collection of antique sewing notions, Scottish treen or Mauchline and Tartan Ware.

The Sylko reel shown in one photograph is included for scale only and is not part of the sale.