Small world: My collection of tiny vintage keepsakes

Here is the label underneath. The term “Concreta” worries me. It’s probably why I’m not brave enough to use it!

This little bundle (below) contains 10 packets of sewing needles, each containing 10 needles. I could hardly hold one of the needles, let alone sew with it. Each is wrapped in black paper to prevent rust. Each packet measures 3 x 1.5 centimetres. The brand is Prinzess Victoria. Not sure if this is a reference to Queen Victoria when young, or to her eldest daughter or neither!

This one (below) is a much more personal piece — part of my own family history. I am the current custodian of this family heirloom. It’s a Victorian mourning locket. It contains a window (front and back) to show a photo of the deceased loved one, in this case Henry Thompson, my great-great uncle, who was killed at Ypres, Belgium, in World War I. He is only 10 or 11 in the photo, as his mother loved to remember him.

Inside the locket are two locks of hair. I wonder whether his mother thought to cut it just before he went off to war. So sad.

This tiny tin (below), only 3.5cm in diameter, holds some black Victorian boot buttons. Should I ever be fortunate enough to own some Victorian boots and they happen to be missing a button or two, I will have just the right thing!

The little lady riding side saddle (below) came to me from my grandfather. It’s lead and it would have been a toy in its day. It’s about 8 x 8cm. The arm holding the riding crop moves up and down! I’m a bit concerned about lead being used for toys, but I guess they didn’t know the health risks back then.

This very old hat pin (below) was given to me by a neighbour who knows my love of vintage. The shell at the end appears to be made of unfired terracotta and it’s quite fragile, so I decided to keep it. The little bead is marbled glass. If you have any idea of the era of this hat pin I would love to hear from you. I can only say 1920s or older.

Of more recent vintage — and very special to me — are my father’s cuff links, commemorating the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne. If only all vintage was so easy to date! I will give these to my son one day, but I’m not finished with them yet.

So, just a little glimpse at some of my bits and pieces. These are not for sale, except for the shell hat pin. I am open to offers on that one.