“Merry Christmas” Pin Cushion, England, circa 1915
Price: $350, Approximate size: 7½" x 7½" x 2"

Pin cushions made as sentimental tokens date back to the 18th century. During the 19th century and early 20th century cushions in various shapes became familiar work. World War I saw soldiers, who had to take care of their uniforms and thus required learning how to sew, adapt this art form and the popularity of the craft peaked. When hospitalized, with time on their hands, soldiers and sailors created these pin cushions, which were stuffed and sewn together then decorated. The crafty embellishments were fashioned from pins, beads, sequins, ribbon cloth, printed paper, etc.; and generally sent home as gifts. Because these were created by soldiers in the war, they are considered to be a form of trench art, although they were not necessarily made in the trenches.

The heart was a common shape used by the makers of these pin cushions. Amongst the clusters and linear decoration of pinned glass beads, British flags adorn each side of the top of the heart. This particular piece contains a commemorative medal pinned down in the center, and ribbon reading "Merry Christmas to You." A ribbon of wispy fringe was pinned and frames the heart, as well. It is in very good condition with some loosened and a few missing pins.