I love these vintage tacks and use them on special projects. I must have gotten them from a past chapter member’s stash, probably Mae V-D. The symbols may be Chinese and I wish I knew what it says. I tried a translate feature that I found online and ‘text ninety soldiers’ is what I get. There might have been 90 tacks in the container at one time but I only have 38 now. They hold up well (don’t bend upon carefully removing them) and I don’t see the wear on the heads like the newer tacks. Another, “They don’t make things like they used to.” example.
If anyone knows what the symbols are, please leave a comment!
It’s possible that these are Japanese. I am not certain but look here-https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/12/japanese-brass-tacks-with-built-in.html
Comment by chillyhollowneedlepointadventure
January 22, 2021 @ 10:10 am
Yes, indeed. The shape of the container and the built in tack remover are the same. The difference is mine have markings and the others are all flat. I missed seeing your December post. Thanks for sharing.
I think they are Japanese. I was introduced to them in the 1990’s by Joan Masterson. We were all so excited to be able to buy tacks for needlepoint and ones with a tack remover! Before then it was household tacks. I think I still have a few of them now.
Melitastitches4fun's Blog 
It’s possible that these are Japanese. I am not certain but look here-https://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com/2020/12/japanese-brass-tacks-with-built-in.html
Comment by chillyhollowneedlepointadventure January 22, 2021 @ 10:10 amYes, indeed. The shape of the container and the built in tack remover are the same. The difference is mine have markings and the others are all flat. I missed seeing your December post. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by melitastitches4fun January 22, 2021 @ 10:25 amI think they are Japanese. I was introduced to them in the 1990’s by Joan Masterson. We were all so excited to be able to buy tacks for needlepoint and ones with a tack remover! Before then it was household tacks. I think I still have a few of them now.
Comment by suesci January 22, 2021 @ 11:19 amDo yours have the same markings or flat like the ones Jane at Chilly Hollow shows in her December post?
Comment by melitastitches4fun January 22, 2021 @ 11:23 amI have a current set of this type of tacks that I bought a year or so ago. Mine are not nearly as exciting as yours, though.
Comment by craftingwacky January 25, 2021 @ 11:04 am