I love the pin cards produced by the Neuss Brothers in Aix-La-Chapelle (Aachen) Germany in the late 19th century. The Neuss Brothers were among the early manufacturers of glass headed pins in Aachen. The glass was made especially for this purpose so that it was easily fusible and could also remain viscous sufficiently long for the forming of the head. It had to be bright without the necessity for polishing and yet not be brittle. These enamel topped pins were sold on cardboard cubes and cards decorated with charming lithos. This style pin holder became popular with businesses for advertising either for sale or as a give away.

This pin card measures 1 2/” x 2 ½”. It is made of two pieces of heavy cardboard covered with black buckram and decorated with printed papers. The front features a litho of a lute player resting on a stone bench beside his partner playing the xylophone. The back has a pink on pink art nouveau label for the Neuss Brothers, Aix La Chapelle (Aachen) Celebrated Pin Card. Thirty-two 1 ¼” black glass-headed pins pierce the buckram around the edges.

The card is in good condition for its age but there is evidence that it got wet at some point. I think the pink background on the back was likely white and was discolored by the red letters. There is a line of paper loss on the front top edge that looks like part of the picture and a few spots on the right side. Some of the pins have a bit of rust. Nevertheless, the card displays well and will make an excellent addition to a 19th century sewing collection. Please examine the pictures and feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

While you are here, do enjoy the other sewing items I have for sale at this time. Thank you for visiting my shop today.