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Hedgehog

Hedgehog needle case
Needle Case


Design Representation

Design Details

Needle Case Type:

Figural (diamond mark on needle case matches this design registration)

Patent/Registered to:

W. Avery & Son - Redditch

Patent/Design Representation #:

Ornamental Class1: Metal: #263784

Patent/Design Registration Date:

June 27, 1872

Location of Patent/Design Registration:

The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK

Reference #:

TNA Representation - BT 43/32/263784
TNA Register - BT 44/2/263784

Dimensions:

9 x 6.7 x 3

Material:

Brass

Name Variations:

a) W. Avery & Son - Redditch
b) Baggally, Westall & Spence - London
c) Unmarked

Other Variations:

Hedgehog Needle and Pin Case

Additional Photographs

Side and back views

Side and top views

Bottom and Avery signature detail

Top front detail and bottom unmarked (photo from eBay)

Bottom with Baggallay signature (photo from eBay)

Facts

English hedgehogs got their name around 1450 CE because they were small animals that frequented hedgerows and had a pig-like snout.  These spiny mammals, which resemble a small porcupine, are found naturally in Northern and Western Europe, Asia and Africa but no species of hedgehog is found in Australia and the Americas. Hedgehogs are nocturnal and their main food source is insects.

Hedgehog facts

History

During the Victorian era kitchens were often located in the basement of the house where food was prepared and stored.  Frequently scraps left lying about attracted bugs, beetles and crickets and at night the floor often came alive with these vermin.  As a result, hedgehogs were kept in the kitchen in order to control the insects.  During the day when people were about, the little critters would curl up in a ball and sleep, whereas at night they roamed around the dark kitchen feasting on cockroaches and other bugs.  The Victorians also created household items shaped like a hedgehog such as the silver pin stick pictured below.

Hedgehog history

Miscellaneous

Although in Great Britain the hedgehog is one of the country’s most popular mammals it is illegal to own then as pets.  While roughly a million and a half currently live in gardens, parks, woodlands and fields throughout the county, approximately 30,000 are killed each year by cars.  Due to changes in their habitat, hedgehog populations are decreasing.  The British Hedgehog Preservation Society provides tips on how humans can help to protect this adorable species.

Hedgehog misc