Item 26-246

These are a matching pair of oversized heavy vintage French safety pins, sometimes called blanket pins or laundry pins because of their strength and size. 

They are much larger than ordinary sewing safety pins, measuring approximately 12 cm (4¼ inches) long and 2cm wide.

The bright nickel-plated steel, robust spring coil and stamped number are characteristic of mid-20th century industrial production. They were made to withstand repeated heavy-duty use rather than being decorative.

These large pins had many practical uses:

• securing wool blankets

• fastening horse blankets or rugs

• closing sacks and grain bags

• holding kilts or heavy skirts

• securing laundry bundles

• general household and agricultural repairs

Because they are much stronger than ordinary safety pins, they were an essential item in homes, farms and workshops before modern plastic clips and fasteners became common.