Admiralty Standard Thread Bundle dated 1897

This unique item is a sealed sample to confirm the thread specification to be used on Royal Naval contracts. The label, showing some age wear, is still readable and carries a wax admiralty seal with fouled anchor to both sides, as well as an instruction quotation "this label is not be removed nor the pattern damaged" and below CP 7365 and clearly dated 1897. A manufacturer's ticket is slipped through the thread W J Knox Kilbirnie N.B. The firm of W J Knox established their business in 1778 and are still operating from their factory in Ayrshire, making camouflage nets and marine signal equipment and are still supplying the Royal Navy 118 years after this sample was sealed. This has been in our personal collection for some years but is now offered for sale for the first time. 7" (17 cm)