Antique Tips

Question: Is this an antique wool yarn winder or spinning tool?

(Posted by: Goodness on 2010-01-26 19:07:19)

Here's an eBay photo of a wooden craft tool that resembles the one I purchased locally over the weekend: http:/ / cgi.ebay.com/ 2- OLD- WOOD- Yarn- Winders- 12- 8_W0 QQitemZ220544936081 QQcmdZViewItem QQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335980a891 The person who sold it to me had no idea what it was used for. It's identical to the longer of the two wooden tools in the photo. Mine has a wonderful patina on the ends of the wood. I'm longing to know what it was used for, its approximate age, and other interesting tidbits. Any ideas? Thanks! Yes, the eBay photo does mention it's a yarn winder, but I'm seeking confirmation of this. Is "winder " the correct word for this tool? Would it have been mostly used for wool yarn? Any idea how old these tools might be? Mine looks more worn than the one in the photo. Thank you!

Posted by: Matt on 2010-01-28, 02:25:07

Think weaving loom spool. And industrial at that. The metal ends are to prevent the friction from wearing out the spools too quickly as the high speeds at which industrial looms operate would cause much wear to unprotected wood. There may be a spindle shaft that would run through the centre of the spool, or it may have been trapped within the shuttle and simply spun in bushings or bearings and been held in by clips. Doesn't really matter what it was used for in the past, It's what you repurpose it for in the present that dictates WHAT is is for now. Enjoy your new.... Whatever you wish it to be. Cheers Matt

Posted by: Demonstrative on 2010-01-27, 00:10:28

A ball winder is called a Nostepinnes for hand work but I am not convinced with the metal ends that are shown in the ebay image that yarn winder is an appropriate name maybe a spool holder or bobbin of some sort from the textile industry at best maybe a part of a Swift spinnerschoice.com/ Nostepinnes.htm