BOBBIN ALONG - PART TWO

PHILMAR/BERWICK TOYS

Continuing with the dolly bobbins from Part One,
there are yet more puzzling finds regarding
this rather popular spool knitter.
I have come across sets by Philmar
(the brand name shown on the box
is in a yellow scroll similar
to Berwick Toys).
The wooden "bobbin" in the Philmar set below is the
same as the dolly bobbin by Berwick Toys.
This set I would say is from the 1950's.

Above and Below - these two pictures show
the rather ingenious presentation of the
bobbin inside the box. Apart from being an
absolutely huge knitter for the young girl
to work with - the girl's hand is cut away from
the picture so that it looks like she is actually
holding the dolly bobbin.
Also, her right hand finger is cut away to be
able to hold the "loop-lifter tool" (I should
have placed it properly for the photo but
I neglected to do so) - fabulous graphics
in this set!

Below - here are the instructions found with this set -
note the picture of the bobbin in use - it looks
nothing like the bobbin found with the set.

Next, we have another Philmar brand "dolly bobbin
Knitting Set" (note the brand name this time is not
in a yellow scroll, but a black oval)
Judging by the box lid, I would date this set to the 60's.
The red and yellow dolly bobbin is plastic - which is
the one shown in the foreground. There are another
two dolly bobbins placed either side of the box - these
are made of wood and were found as singles.
UPDATE MARCH 2011
I had an email from the former childhood friend
of the young girl that is photographed on this box
lid. This girl was born in 1963 and the photo
was taken when she was about six years old
making this set about 1969 - 1970's.

Below - close-up of the plastic dolly bobbin.

Next - Berwick Knit Kit - Complete Knitting Set
with Dolly Bobbin.
This set is as new and thankfully the leaflets
enclosed state that it is dated 1972.
The side of the box reads - Another Berwick
Toy ~ contains Knitting needles, Crochet Hook,
Dolly Bobbin, Knitting yarns and instructions
in colour for Knitting, Crochet and French Knitting.
There are also sewing needles, threads, thimble,
and tape measure.

Below - close-up - note that the plain red
plastic dolly bobbin has gold features.

Below - two plain red plastic dolly bobbins, the one
on the right is a slightly different shape and
also has gold features and yellow "prongs".
Both of these knitters are missing a "prong" which
is due to the cheaper quality hard plastic.
The one on the left was found in the box below.
(Added March 2009 - the bobbin with the
yellow prongs/pegs could possibly be a
"Bobbin Craft" toy by Ingham Day toys of
England).

Clearly here, the quality of these Dolly
Bobbins has dropped dramatically.
This rather dilapidated Berwick Dolly
Bobbin set has not survived well.
On the box it reads - Berwick Dolly Bobbin
Traditional French Knitting Set and
on the bottom of the box is Made in
England Ref. Number 250 Part
Contents Foreign.
Another Berwick Toy.
There is no leaflet for instructions
with this set but instead the instructions are
printed on the back of the box.

Now for something else to add to the puzzle!
Little Maid's Knitting Set -
Interesting and Instructive
Made in England
No date but I love the
graphics on this box with its
teddies, golliwogs, dolls and
toy puppies on the side
of the box. I would say approx. 1940's.
Obviously there appears to be some
pieces missing from this set, we only
have a wooden dolly bobbin and wool.
And sadly, the facial features have faded
on the bobbin.

Below - this group of bobbins show their sizes
from 11 cms to 13 cms.

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