Early 19th-Century, George III Period English Antique Glove Maker's Donkey, circa 1810 | Ideal As a Candleholder

An early 19th-century English antique glove maker’s donkey, dating to the George III period, circa 1810. Constructed from hardwood (oak) with a sculptural silhouette, the piece features a slotted iron clamp and angled base designed to hold glove leather taut for stitching and shaping.

The form is both practical and poetic, with traces of historic use and a dry, tactile surface. The angled stance and upright clamp are reminiscent of a harness maker's clamp, hence the trade nickname. This example retains its original patina and working structure, with minor wear and surface irregularities consistent with age.

A rare survival of Georgian glove-making equipment — ideal for collectors of trade tools, sculptural utility objects, or English antiques with occupational history. Also suitable as a candleholder or decorative stand in today's modern home, in homage to the past.

Additional Historic Context: 

An example is in Yeovil Museum, who state on its website:

The gloving 'donkey', an item of equipment that revolutionised the gloving industry, was invented in 1807 by James Winter of Stoke sub Hamdon.

It is not known if James made any money out of his invention, as records for him are somewhat scarce; however, in the 1841 census, 75-year-old James was recorded as living on 'independent means' with his wife and two servants at Stoke sub Hamdon. James was also listed in the 1846 poll book for Stoke sub Hamdon by virtue of owning a freehold house and land.

Winter's invention consisted of a clamp mounted on a wooden pedestal. The clamp was spring-mounted and operated by a foot pedal. Along the edge of both sides of the clamp were strips of brass or metal with evenly spaced teeth, which held the glove firmly but enabled the glove sewer to produce accurate stitching by using the brass teeth as a guide for the needle.

At this time, of course, all gloves were stitched by hand, and the even and accurate stitching that the device enabled was an important step in glove manufacturing.

During the nineteenth century, all the glove manufacturers employed outworkers, invariably women and girls who worked at home sewing gloves. The gloving donkey enabled more accurate and speedy glove production, even enabling girls as young as eight years of age to produce work of an acceptable standard.

The gloving donkey was in constant use until the gradual introduction of the sewing machine in the 1880s.

Provenance: England. Early 19th century.

Condition: Please refer to the images for details. There is age-related surface wear. The grip and mechanism continue to function.

Size: Height 82 cm (32.5 inches)