Needles were highly prized but small household tools and naturally enough it seems the arrival of needle cases, which helped keep these invaluable tools safe, followed in close succession. 

Cases were made in all manner of materials from decorated porcelain cylinders to simple paper booklets. As is so typical of everyday sewing tools the only limitation on design or decoration was the maker's imagination.

During the 19th century the Redditch Manufacturer W Avery and Son specialised in producing figural brass needle cases and you can find out more about this particularly manufacturer by visiting this Avery Needle Case Resource Site