Sewing kits, in soldier parlance “housewives,” were common going-away gifts from mothers, wives, sweethearts, and charitable sewing circles to departing soldiers who would have to fend for themselves in mending uniforms, resewing buttons, etc. This one is made similarly to a Brooks patent kit, using a tinned iron cylinder with a fitted, waterproof, glazed fabric cover that extends in a long flap fitted with two shorter side flaps, that can be rolled around it and tied closed when not in use. The cylinder has a long opening giving access to two internal compartments for storage of loose needles, buttons, thread etc., but differs from the Brooks patent in having a hinged cover and with the compartments almost  equal in length where the Brooks version has a short section for an inkwell and longer section for pens, etc., that company’s idea being to have a combination  writing and sewing kit, along with a toiletry kit in its most complete version, with a paper checkerboard thrown in for good measure. This one seems to be intended simply as a sewing kit, perhaps a precursor to the Brooks or a knock-off. The use of the tin cylinder points to it being a commercial product.

The condition is very good. The brown glazed cover and fabric trim is excellent. The seams are good and the end caps covering the cylinder are in place, as is the hinged tin lid. This would be a nice addition to a display of soldiers’ personal gear, even one focusing just on the ubiquitous “housewife” in its many variations, from the relatively simple to the more complex combination kits that displayed the most modern improvements, satisfied a sense of novelty, and promised greater convenience and comfort for the new soldier in army camps.  [sr][ph:L]

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