This Saxony style spinning wheel belonged to the donor's family, which was originally from Salem, Massachusetts. In Salem, the family lived in what was known as the Ward House. The donor was given the spinning wheel by her aunt. The wheel is made of wood, and is believed to have been made in the late 18th century. The wheel is a standard flax wheel with a single tapered shaft distaff. It was conserved and restorations made when it was acquired by the museum.
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