This knitting sheath from northern England was made in 1854. Hand knitting was an established industry in England from the 16th century onwards. However, with the spread of mechanization during the 18th century, it became concentrated in rural areas, in particular northern England, Wales and, to a lesser extent, Scotland. Many knitting sheaths were given as love tokens and were elaborately carved and decorated. This one is unusual as it is brightly painted throughout. It carries the inscription: 'A present from James Hope to Mary Newton Disomber [sic] 12 1854'.