Hiram Wheeler’s domestic wheel was for spinning wool. He titled his invention “inclined spinner,” referring to the fact that the operator would sit at the wheel as opposed to standing and walking when using the typical wool wheel. When the treadle was forced down by the operator’s foot, a cord pulled the carriage and spinning wheel head away from the spinner. A weight brought both of them back toward the spinner. This movement of the carriage was equivalent to the spinner walking forward to the spindle tip for the draw out and then back to the wheel. Wheeler specifically claimed as his invention this sliding action of the wheel head.
Spinning wheel, or part thereof, Thailand. Original catalog card lists it s a spinning wheel, no mention of disjoint pieces. .Part of an acquisition in 1905 by the US National Museum, from the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, of Thai (Siamese) textile-working tools and equipment from the Royal Siamese Commission.
Spinning is the simple act of drawing out a few fibers and twisting them together to form a yarn. The process predates written history, and was first done by hand and with sticks. Spinning wheels are believed to have originated in India between 500 and 1000 A.D. By the 13th century, they were seen in Europe and were a standard piece of equipment for those making fiber into yarn. By the 17th century, they were commonly found in homes in the colonies of North America, where the production of fabric was a cottage industry. Spinning was generally seen as a woman's job. Women spun yarn at home, as well as with friends at "spinning bees," where food was served and prizes might be given to the person who produced the most or best yarn. The Industrial Revolution brought mechanization to the textile industry, and eventually spinning was done on large machines in textile mills.
This vertical flax wheel was made in France by George Beck, in 1694. Mr. Beck gave it to Adeline Beck, who passed it onto Margaret Beck in Paris, France in 1807. In 1822 she brought it to the United States and she used it in Cincinnati and Muskingum, Ohio, for spinnng fiber into yarn. It was given to the Museum by one of her descendants in 1886.
Early 19th century Saxony style flax spinning wheel. (distaff may have been separated from the wheel. This type of wheel, with treadle and distaff, is more complex than the great wheel, as the drawing, spinning, and winding are made simultaneous by means of the flyer and bobbin attachment to the spindle. The distaff on the standard at the opposite end of the frame from the wheel, has been evenly covered with prepared flax fiber--untangled and parallel and a ribbon tied loosely abound it to keep it in good order. Treadle?, the foot is used as poser, and the hands are free to draw out and guide the fiber to the spindle. While best adapted for spinning flax, wool or cotton can be spun upon it, but from rolls of carded material fed by hand directly to the spindle. The initials R.C. are stenciled on the frame. The Distaff is made from a tree branch with twigs pulled together and tied at top to form the cage.
Original catalog card describes this as a spinning wheel. Part of an acquisition in 1905 by the US National Museum, from the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, of Thai (Siamese) textile-working tools and equipment from the Royal Siamese Commission.
Two-spindle flax spinning wheel. Constructed with wooden dowels. Left bobbin and spindle are loose from the leather holder. Distaff is easily removedl. The treadle is not connected. The initials "SP" are burned in one edn of the lower platform of the wheel - possibly the intials of the maker? Likely Connecticut, 18th C.
This statement comes from several letters written by the donor of this object: "My great grandfather, Israel Beach, built his home at Stratford, Conn. in 1735. Some 30 years ago there was given me by the family that owns the farm, a two-spindle flax spinning wheel that had been left in the attic of the old house. The house had long been unoccupied. It was sided up as well as shingled, with chestnut shingles about two feet long, rived and shaved by hand. I have two of these shingles. My father moved from Stratford into this section in 1816. My grand father Israel Beach Jr. served in the Revolutionary War. I served four years in the First New York (Lincoln Cavalry.)
Spinning wheel, name originally listed on the catalog card for this #. .Part of an acquisition in 1905 by the US National Museum, from the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, of Thai (Siamese) textile-working tools and equipment from the Royal Siamese Commission.
Thai spinning or winding device. Original catalog card calls this a spinning wheel. Part of an acquisition in 1905 by the US National Museum, from the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904, of Thai (Siamese) textile-working tools and equipment from the Royal Siamese Commission.
Spinning wheel with 2 treadles and 2 solid wooden wheels; Distaff (branch) arm for holding distaff, and flyer held in place with leather; Bobbin chipped. Wheels turned forming circular patterns of varying sizes, with a 3/4" leather drive band. Footman 12"l x 3?4 in wide leather, very brittle, attached only one treadle, turning, burned in pegs and wooden screws. Notches on both ends of table. Four post holding wheels and mother of all appear to have been added later, The wood texture is quite rough- A former staff member suggested that some parts may be reproductions.
Carved and painted spinning wheel, Swedish made; Brought to Minnesota by Swedish immigrants just after the Civil War and used in the area until the latter part of the 19th century.Painted white, with blue and pink on the rim of the wheel, and carved and turned folk designs Attached to the wheel is a hook used to pull yarn through orifice. Footman and treadle have interesting carvings. Two holes on front of table for a distaff. Wheel was probably used for wool spinning.
