Take a closer look!

Here is an interesting 19 th century antique treen knitting sheath from Middleton in Teesdale. It has a flat faced blade uniform in width with scalloped border and rosette decoration. This type of knitting sheath was specifically made in this area and did not use a cow band or belt to tuck the sheath into. The flat cross section was for gripping under the arm.

This antique treen sheath came with some provenance. The name on the knitting sheath

is Fanny Walton and she was the daughter of Robert and Catherine Walton. Fanny (Frances) was born in 1866.. Robert was a mason born in County Durham and Catherine was born in Northumberland. It is possible that the sheath was made by Fanny's father for her.