COLLECTING VINTAGE

 VALENTINES DAY HANDKERCHIEFS

I love all kinds of vintage linens and handkerchiefs, but I am unable to collect all I like. Since I like hearts better than anything I was drawn to collect pretty Valentine Hankies.

History of Valentine's Day Hankies

Before the advent of what we today know as Valentine cards, lace handkerchiefs were often given as a token of your love. It has been told that in Medievel times that the knights going off to battle would carry with them a hankie given to them by the woman they loved.

Sailors on voyages to distant foreign lands would send home to their loved ones pretty silk squares or handkerchiefs emroidered with hearts, love knots & cupids. Their special lady would often use these as a small purse & they became known as bundle Valentines.

Lace has long been associated with Valentines Day as the hankies often had lace trim. In Victorian times a lady would draw her handkerchief across her cheek to say I love you. Twisting her hankie in her right hand signified that she loved another. Holding the hankie over her shoulder or dropping it in the path meant follow me.

Find Valentine's Hankys on Ebay

You can find quite a selection of Valentine hankies on EBAY.

• Search under Clothing Shoes & Accessories ~ Vintage ~ Men's & Woman's Accessories ~ Handkerchiefs
• Or search by words using Valentine hankies, Valentine Handkerchiefs, Valentine Hankys, Valentine's Day hankies, or Heart handkerchiefs
• Sometimes you will find them under antiques ~ Textiles & Linens ~ Other
• You Can Also try(valentine) (hanky,hankie,handkerchief)

You will find print hankies, embroidered handkerchiefs,  lace hankies, and sometimes designer hankies. Some of the designers that made hankies in the 50's & 60's were

• Tammis Keefe
• Pat Prichard
• Jeanne Miller
• Frederique
• Brigitta Ajnefors
• Carl Tait
• Lori King
• Monique
• Faith Austin
• Kit Ann
• Jean Sibo
• Ann McGann

Running a search on any of these names may find you a hankie or 2.

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

There are several books in publication on collecting vintage handkerchiefs. Look for Collecting Handkerchiefs by Roseanna Mihalick or Childrens Handkerchiefs A Two Hundred Year History by JJ Murphy. Try Printed and Lace Handkerchiefs by Betty Wilson.

The EBAY Discussion Board Needle Arts and Vintage Textiles may be the place if you have any question.

Click on my ME PAGE to find a link to my website. Nanalulus Linens and Handkerchiefs.I am sure you will find treasures there you will love. Monogrammed, wedding, & embroidered handkerchiefs, bed and table linens, tea accoutrements and tea party accessories. Beautiful Gifts, lace parasols and fans. Thanks for looking & enjoy your collecting!

Check Out My Latest Auctions

Read & Vote On My Guides & Reviews

I hope you have enjoyed reading my guide & will vote it as helpful! Thanks for looking & happy hunting for your Valentine's Day Handkerchiefs.

© 2006 Nanalulu ♥