Wax Tablet Case

[jana]

This is one of the projects that I entered this weekend for an Arts and Science Competition for my barony. It is a three part project that involved metal work, woodworking and of course, leather work. The case was done without using a swivel knife, just beveling and backgrounding and was based on research that was done on historical sources. It was hand sewn with an awl and harness needles. I enjoyed working on this project with its various phases.

[UKRay]

That looks like a lovely job. I'm sure you had a huge sense of pleasure when you looked at the end result.

What reference sources did you use for this?

Ray

[jana]

What reference sources did you use for this?

Thank you! Yes, it is one of those projects that you look at and feel completely satisfied at the end result. I used a lot of internet sources from various museums and the like, but my primary source for the case came from a great book called "Purses in Pieces" by Olaf Goubitz. This book has a lot of information on belt pouches from archaeological digs in the Netherlands. There is a couple of chapters on different types of cases and the author gives a good bit of information on wax tablet cases.

[Milli]

Jana,

I really like that case, it came out great. I have to ask, what is a wax tablet case???

Milli

[jana]

Jana,

I have to ask, what is a wax tablet case???

A wax tablet is a historical writing pad!! The wood(or bone or ivory) was recessed to hold beeswax and you would write using the stylus. To keep everything together you would need the case.

[mendedbowl]

lovely work!

while searching through museum photographs of old leather work, i found a few of those interesting little wax tablets about 2 years ago. i thought it would make a good project then, but i never got around to it.

i'm glad you did. you've done a wonderful job recreating a beautiful yet practical item from history.

ken

[Milli]

I really like it, and it's cool to learn a little piece of history. I can think of some things that a case like that could be used for now. Maybe for playing cards, or even to hold your bank cards and a little cash while traveling.

Milli

[MADMAX22]

Nicely done, I havent heard of these since I was in school.

That is a very elegent looking case. Just out of curiosity did you have a picture of the back of it by chance.

[jana]

... or even to hold your bank cards and a little cash while traveling.

Thank you! and I like your idea... I may have to look more seriously into "up-dating"

[jana]

Nicely done, I havent heard of these since I was in school.

That is a very elegent looking case. Just out of curiosity did you have a picture of the back of it by chance.

The batteries on my camera died while taking the last of the pictures for the documentation... but I will take a picture as soon as I have more. Meanwhile, the back is plain and flat and you can tell I need more practice using an awl!!