Caskets and Mirrors

Non-Student Price includes the Course

The Student Price is discounted to $2400. To pay by subscription:

12-months Flat Top Door Casket ($200/month)

24-months Flat Top Door Casket ($100/month)

This new casket form is being offered by popular demand. It is the same as the double casket but with a flat top instead of an angled top; which makes it shorter. It is a replica of the old casket seen in the picture below, with two doors that open and full of drawers but with a large surface on the top perfect for stumpwork. Made of 120 pieces of clear pine wood, it has a total of seven secret drawers! Richard Oedel of Fort Point Cabinetmakers and I have spent two years measuring original caskets to design this piece. All the hardware on the piece are made from original 17th century hardware that came off damaged embroidered caskets. They are cast in brass and then tinned to match the originals. The most elaborate reproduction materials are the five locks and their associated hasps. Three caskets were sent through x-ray machines to get accurate measurements off the internal structure and then designed by me and made by Peter Ross, Historic Blacksmith. The prototype locks were then scaled by Anderson & Stauffer for the caskets and made in their English factory. Without the correct locks (which don't exist today on the market), the secret panels and drawers we desire are not possible. 

The casket and its features can be seen by following the pictures to see the drawers, secret drawers, trays, spaces, sliding panels and doors. The pictured example does not show the locks installed. 

Included with the wooden casket form pricing are the following, installed: 

• two tin plated brass escutcheons
• four tin plated brass door hinges
• two large tin plated brass lid hinges
• four tin plated brass drawer pulls
• two installed door locks and their hasps
• one secret panel lock and hasp
• one lid locks and hasp
• four mirror brackets from tin plaited brass (not pictured)
• a lock key
• turned wood feet

The casket will be shipped via a mutually acceptable shipper (UPS is preferred shipper).  Note that the caskets are being sold at a large discount to the students and thus the actual cost will be listed on the customs/insurance forms, so know your local customs regulations. If desired, I can ship to a USA address for collection. 

Casket is: 11.5" wide x 8" deep x 7.5" high without feet

 The Non-Student Price includes the course.

The Student Price is discounted to $960. To order by subscription:

12-months Flat Casket ($80/month)

24-months Flat Casket ($40/month)

The flat casket is an affordable casket that trades small drawers for large useable spaces for your needlework items. Based on several a historic pieces, the tray is a direct measurement from a 17th century casket. Made of 55 pieces of clear pine wood, it has a total of two secret drawers! Richard Oedel of Fort Point Cabinetmakers and I have spent two years measuring original caskets to design this piece. All the hardware on the piece are made from original 17th century hardware that came off damaged embroidered caskets. They are cast in brass and then tinned to match the originals. The most elaborate reproduction materials is the lock and its associated hasp. Three caskets were sent through x-ray machines to get accurate measurements off the internal structure and then designed by me and made by Peter Ross, Historic Blacksmith. The prototype locks were then scaled by Anderson & Stauffer for the caskets and made in their English factory. 

The casket and its features can be seen by following the pictures to see the drawers, secret drawers, trays, spaces, and sliding panels. The pictured example does not show the locks installed. The original model this was taken from had mirrors on the sides of the casket that the tray slid into. Others I have seen use padded sides, covered with silk and quilted. This piece has an extra 1/8" tolerance on all sides to enable the maker to install the mirrors or padded sides to make their piece ever so much luxurious looking. 

Included with the wooden casket form pricing are the following, installed: 

• one tin plated brass escutcheons
• two large tin plated brass lid hinges
• one lid lock and hasp
• four mirror brackets from tin plaited brass (not pictured)
• a lock key
• turned wood feet

The casket will be shipped via a mutually acceptable shipper (UPS is preferred shipper). Caskets will be shipped after shipping invoice is paid and the last payment is made. Note that the caskets are being sold at a large discount to the students and thus the actual cost will be listed on the customs/insurance forms, so know your local customs regulations. If desired, I can ship to a USA address for collection. 

Casket is: 11.5" wide x 8" deep x 7.5" high without feet

To order via subscription go here.

Two wood carcasses for 17th century embroidered frames are available for purchase or order, depending on the supply on-hand. The fancy frame is 19" x 23" in size and the door frame is a bit over 13" x 15" The rectangular frame with doors is loosely based on examples such as this frame sold by Bonhams in 2011. Hinges can be installed for the doors hidden (modern) or using the reproduction 17th century hinges available from Thistle Threads. The back of the frame has an easel like the originals so it can be placed on a dressing table. It can also be mounted to a wall. No hinges are included for either the doors or easel so the maker can decide how they want to proceed. in the pictures below, the back of this frame finished can be seen without its easel in place yet. 

The fancy frame is a Thistle Threads original shape based on the shapes of the 17th century. The frame includes an easel on the back that is attached with two brass reproduction hinges that match those used on period frames of this type. In each case, a filet that holds the mirrors in place are loosely tacked to allow the purchaser to replace with antiqued glass if desired. 

The frames come with a .pdf template to use on a CD-ROM as well as one design for the frame already done in case the buyer wants to take inspiration or have a design. An eight-page description of the recommended finishing materials and method is also on the disk. Recommended finishing materials include marbled paper, silk velvet and/or silk lining and gilt or silver woven tape to hide all the raw edges. Wheat paste glue and a special handmade archival paper are needed to cover the wood to protect the fabrics and embroidery from the wood as well as provide a good surface to adhere the embroidery. 

A shipping supplement is extra on these frames. After order, shipping costs to your address will be determined and the difference invoiced if necessary. 

A set of antiqued gilt or silvered feet.  The feet are cast resin in a mold made from a perfectly carved foot in either a silvered or gold color and then gold or silver leaf is applied followed by an brown wash layer to help define the groves of the carving.  The feet fit all the casket forms; except for the trinket box.  Sold in a set of 4 to be glued in place once the casket is all finished.  Based off of a compilation of photos of carved period casket feet.

Delivery times can be variable.  Feet will be made in batches and can be in-stock or two months from delivery as they will be made in-between casket batches.