Vertical spinning wheel
Category
Furniture
Date
1700 - 1800
Materials
Oak, Elm, Beechwood, Metal, Cord
Measurements
457 mm (Dia); 260 mm (Length); 235 mm (W); 298 mm (H)
Place of origin
Holland
Order this imageCollection
Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1332090
Summary
Vertical double flyer spinning wheel with flyer drag drive system. Dutch origin circa 1700 - 1800. Oak rim with beechwood posts and elm legs. Orange stain. A vertical double flyer spinning wheel standing on four legs, fitted with flyer drag system. In this the bobbins are driven by the wheel, the flyers are slowed down by two string cord ties. The bobbin thus runs faster (as in double band drive) so that as the thread is spun it is collected into the bobbin. The wide wheel rim suggests a Dutch or Low Country origin (per John Homer 1920). The turned spindle at the top has decorative captive rings. The wheel is painted a fine orange colour worn away in places making it an attractive looking wheel. There is a dimensionally similar wheel at Canon's Ashby with orange colour but in poorer condition, which must surely be by the same maker. The latter probably only had one flyer compared to the Snowshill's two. Fair condition. Three of four maidens appear to be replacements. Right hand bobbin/flyer arms are replacements. Flyer leather bearings missing and replaced by wooden blocks. Information and digital images supplied by David and Valerie Bryant 2006.
Provenance
Given to the National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade.