Lucet Update - Another 16th C Reference and Viking Spin Off

With much thanks to jillwheezul (thank you!) I was able to get the D. S. Wilkinson “Needlework Tools: The Lucet” article from the June 1997 Needle Arts magazine to review it for more information on the history of the lucet and it’s time period. Here are the excerpts mentioning dates and time periods for this implement:

 

(pg 16)

 

“So next time you seek a trim or cord for your project, consider one made by your own hand in the manner of the 17^th and 18^th centuries using the lyre-shaped implement called a lucet.

 

“An important utilitarian tool of every needleworker, the lucet has been widely used and known in the Western world since around the late 16^th century. Please note that numerous reference books have incorrectly identified the lucet as a thread winder.”

 

The article goes on to list extant samples of lucets at the following museums. I am considering writing to the curator at the Met to see if they have any that they have dated from the earlier 16^th century.

 

The Chester County Historical Society

The Valentine Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Colonial Williamsburg DeWitt Wallace Museum

 

I am still curious about that Viking reference, especially with the noted issues with possible incorrect identifications as thread winders. This site listed the following source which I am going to attempt to ILL:

 

Graham-Campbell, James. Viking Artefacts: A Select Catalogue. London: British Museum Publications, 1980.a

 
We'll see what this Viking version is all about...