An absolutely fantastic antique sewing collectible dating to the early 1910's and quite rare. This is the Ye Lantern Sewing Baskette which appeared in Variety magazine in the mid 1910's. It is made by Murrish Manufactuing Co., Oakland, Calif. The sewing basket, also sewing caddy is in excellent condition. The black metal caddy has 6 wood spindles to hold thread spools (the spindles are in perfect shape). The center of the box is metal and measures approximately 9. 5 inches high including the handles which are also metal and the sides of the cover are decorative paper over a cardboard cylinder. The base is 6 3/8" in diameter overall.

The caddy also has an inside center pocket to hold longer tools, scissors, ruler, knitting needles, etc. The caddy contains two cups both front and back for pins, needles, thimbles, buttons, etc. The two gray color pads hanging from the top of the caddy are the pin and needle holders or cushions made of thick wool felt , the back pad still contains its original pins and needles. There are no dents or dings to the caddy, the heavyweight molded plastic bottom is firm and secure with no cracks or splits. The handles allow you to carry the caddy as you would a lantern in the day, thus the name "Ye Lantern". The thread spools and sewing supplies do not come with the caddy. The caddy measures 6 1/2" in height.
I have seen other similar caddys sold without the cover, and called complete! I have also seen another with a cover that had a very homely design...NOT modernist or machinist, like this one. This is a real Metropolis-inspired design! This is truly a marvelous, rare collectible and lovely display piece for the sewing enthusiast, or anyone in love with this early Modernist design.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Las Vegas, Nevada.