YOU may recall the photograph that appeared in my last column of the hand tool that was found left behind in the local Fownes glove factory, and sent in by a reader.

Since then, an anonymous note has appeared in my saleroom, clearly explaining that this tool would originally have had five cutting blades used to cut strips of leather (one is now broken).

The strips of leather would form blanks' from which the gloves were made, and the adjustment enabled varying widths to be cut depending upon the size of the finished glove.

I suppose if you look at it, the use is reasonably clear. But that's the thing about antiques - we all very often miss the obvious and forget we often know more than we actually realise. Thanks to our mystery reader for enlightening us and may I enquire as to how he or she knew?