A small 19th century beech wood lace crimper, comprising of a roller and a small board.
It is now difficult to find the two parts still together. These were used in the home to crimp lace after it had been washed and starched, eg cuffs, neck ruffs.The fabric was starched, then damped and placed on the board and rolled until the small pleats were formed. The pleated fabric was then stitched at the top, to form collars and cuffs.
This example is a nice neat size, the base measures 8cm x 7.5cm.
C1840/60