Sarah Frazer’s Pincushion
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Not on View
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This decorated pincushion likely celebrates the 1769 birth of Sarah Frazer, the first child of Mary and Persifor Frazer. Sarah’s maiden initials are included within the potted flower design formed with steel pins. Colonial women’s pincushions were deeply personal possessions, often containing individualized designs, and served as storage for pins that held fabric in place while sewing. Sarah’s father fought in the Revolutionary War with the Continental Army and was captured by the British at the Battle of Brandywine. Sarah’s later memoir told the story of her mother’s secret letter delivery to George Washington from her father, who alerted Washington to the poor conditions of the American prisoners.
Object Details
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Pincushion
Pennsylvania
ca. 1769
Silk, Steel, Linen
Museum of the American Revolution, Gift of Mrs. Brian D. Draper and Graham Dougherty
2021.17.03
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