What a find! Selbu gloves?

I walked into the local consignment/resale shop recently, hoping to find something that would catch my eye. And better yet, something I actually need. I've found a few things at this rather nice store over time--including a lovely quilted bedspread and some old knitting pattern booklets, not to mention a couple of sweaters from LL Bean. Sometimes they have yarn, but usually not of a very good quality. This time, they had quite a garish selection of eyelash yarn. But what did I care that the yarn was disappointing? Look what I found:

The tag was marked "late 19th century Swedish gloves." Swedish? And were they really that old? When I inquired, the owner said that the person selling them had said they were, and that the family had come to the US many years ago and settled in Kansas. They do feel very old. They are in pretty good condition. There is one hole, a few inexpert mending attempts, and some discoloration, particularly on the fingers, which you can see in the photo. (I wonder if it would be safe to gently wash them in one of my wool wash products?) But how fabulous a find!

I question the Swedish designation. I've read Selbuvotter by Terri Shea, and they sure look Norwegian to me. In fact, her Annemor #4 mittens have a very similar dog design on them. This pair has what looks like the number 8 under the dog's chin--I wonder what that signifies?

I thought it quite a coincidence that the only pair of gloves I've made using a pattern from Selbuvotter (Annemore #8) are green and cream--the same colors. And the patterning on the thumb and palms aren't that different from this old pair. The glove I made is on the right below.



It is intriguing to wonder where this old pair of gloves has been--it seems to be a very well traveled pair. And I am tickled pink with my find!