Demi-Quads
To date 8 different demi-quad needle case designs have been uncovered and verified. All of the items on this page meet all of the criteria to qualify as an Avery style needle case. All demi-quads are based on the same patent which was registered in the UK in 1869 and in the U.S.A. in 1870 to William Avery and Albert Fenton. The patent only covers the general design and mechanical components of the needle case not the detailed decoration that is stamped on the exterior.
These are some of the needle cases that Avery most often licensed to other companies so they could put their name on his design. As a result, the detailed decoration for most of these appears to be based on what the licensee wanted to have stamped on the case, most often something that represented their company. Some of these Demi-Quads also have slightly different floral or geometric patterns on the end caps and/or sides and occasionally one has the word “Patented in America S.G.D.G.” stamped on the side. It is assumed that Avery worked with these licensees so his needles could be distributed throughout the UK and other places by these companies.
Additional photographs, patent/design representations, variations and other detailed information can be found about each needle case by selecting the item from the photo gallery below. Or this same information can be accessed by selecting the name from the alphabetic list on the right. All dimensions are in centimeters. Some of the photos we have included on the individual needle case pages came from eBay and are not the best quality. If you have better photos that you would be willing to share with us, please contact us.
