

Small historical note which accompanied the knitting needle sheath made by Richard Babbage in 1804. Writer unknown. The note reads:
A Knitting Shave
Aug 3rd 1891
Richard Babbage carved this Shave at Sea in the year 1804 Jan[uar]y 9th and gave it to Mary Croote as a token of love before marriage.
Given to Robert John Clook by his aunt Hannah Ball of Steeple Morden, Roysten, Herts. thinking that he would take very great care of it considering the age and workmanship and also as it being a great curiosity.
This shave being the property of my Great Grandfather's second wife.