Ancient Roman Bronze rare Sailmaker or leatherworker palm tool
08
days
16
hours
21
minutes
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seconds
Current bid
€ 25
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Rare ancient Roman bronze sewing palm tool, used by sailmakers and leather workers, dating to the 1st–3rd century AD, in good condition, size approximately 41.1 by 26 mm, with original/authentic designation and a Certificate of Authenticity available on request for lots with hammer price €100 or higher.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Rare ancient Roman bronze sewing palm tool, used by sailmakers, leather workers or for other heavy-duty sewing tasks, similar to the use of a modern thimble.
The object has an elongated body with a deep recessed oval needle-seat, surrounded by a raised border. It is pierced longitudinally just below the decorated terminal, while the two lower side lugs are also perforated. These openings would have allowed straps or cords to secure the tool against the palm of the hand.
The eye of a thick needle could be set into the hollow section, allowing the user to push it through tough material such as leather, canvas, or sailcloth with considerable force while protecting the hand.
Size: ± 41,1 x 26 mm
Condition:
Good condition, the recessed needle-seat and decorative elements remain clearly visible. Attractive patina and minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Sewing palms were practical tools used to push heavy needles through resistant materials. By placing the end of the needle into the recessed cup, the user could apply pressure with the hand and arm without injuring the palm.
-> Tools of this type were especially useful for working with leather, thick textiles, canvas, and sailcloth. They allowed controlled force to be applied during stitching, making them valuable implements for leather workers, sailmakers, and other craftsmen.
-> The combination of practical function and decorative shaping shows that even specialised workshop tools could be carefully made and visually distinctive. The recessed needle-seat is the key functional feature, while the raised bosses and shaped outline add an ornamental quality.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Rare ancient Roman bronze sewing palm tool, used by sailmakers, leather workers or for other heavy-duty sewing tasks, similar to the use of a modern thimble.
The object has an elongated body with a deep recessed oval needle-seat, surrounded by a raised border. It is pierced longitudinally just below the decorated terminal, while the two lower side lugs are also perforated. These openings would have allowed straps or cords to secure the tool against the palm of the hand.
The eye of a thick needle could be set into the hollow section, allowing the user to push it through tough material such as leather, canvas, or sailcloth with considerable force while protecting the hand.
Size: ± 41,1 x 26 mm
Condition:
Good condition, the recessed needle-seat and decorative elements remain clearly visible. Attractive patina and minor surface irregularities and signs of wear consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) is available upon request for all lots with a hammer price of €100 or higher.
-> Sewing palms were practical tools used to push heavy needles through resistant materials. By placing the end of the needle into the recessed cup, the user could apply pressure with the hand and arm without injuring the palm.
-> Tools of this type were especially useful for working with leather, thick textiles, canvas, and sailcloth. They allowed controlled force to be applied during stitching, making them valuable implements for leather workers, sailmakers, and other craftsmen.
-> The combination of practical function and decorative shaping shows that even specialised workshop tools could be carefully made and visually distinctive. The recessed needle-seat is the key functional feature, while the raised bosses and shaped outline add an ornamental quality.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays to the seller within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note and report the damage to the seller via the Catawiki online chat within 24 hours. Keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* MARGIN SCHEME: All our sales are subject to the margin scheme; therefore, no VAT is charged or shown on our invoices.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/timeframe
1st-3rd century AD
Name of object
rare Sailmaker or leatherworker palm tool
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2026
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
