September Charmer

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Sept '04

Nuts about Nuts

It’s September and the walnut trees are in full bloom.  Squirrels have reappeared, much like the swallows of Capistrano.  But I digress...

Last month, I spied an interesting charm at a local antique fair --- a hinged sterling walnut.  I speculated that the nut was a watch charm from c. 1900.  However, my vintage jewelry catalogs told a different story.  I learned that the
walnut motif was popular c. 1910.  Two versions of the walnut were available:
a thimble case and a larger “novelty.”  The 1909 catalog writer for E.V. Roddin Company describes the novelty version as “All in a nutshell. Sterling Silver Walnut, French Gray finish, Gold lined, contains mirror, Powder Puff, Perfume Bottle and Pin cushion, also space for a picture.”  

A few days ago, I found the novelty walnut for sale where I’d purchased its smaller twin.  It felt good to crack the case. The squirrels and I are both having a great September.   We hope you do the same.

Copyright © 2004-2005. Joanne & Bob Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Revised: 03/19/05.