Coldstream Guards Pincushion

Founded in 1650, the Coldstream Guards is the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. This sweet heart pin cushion, made by a guardsman, has the regiment's insignia at its centre and two broad strips on either side embroidered with the words THINK OF ME.

Known historically as as pimpilowes or pin-poppets, pin cushions can be traced back to the 14th century in Europe. They are usually padded with cotton,
wool, horsehair or sawdust. To sharpen and clean the pins they held, however, some were filled with abrasive emery powder.

They make fine presents for those with a needle-sharp eye.....