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Issue #38 - October 2002

In this issue we discuss subcategories of Canadian wheels and small details on whorls on European wheels. An old picture provides the solution to one problem but leads to another question, which was answered by another old picture. Then historical confirmation of that solution comes from another source.


A Comparison of Tilt-Tensioning Devices

by Alvin Ramer

Alvin Ramer of Colborne, ONT, Canada, continues our discussion of spinning wheels made in Quebec by studying the four major categories of tilt-tensioning devices. In his travels he discovered two wheels with unusual tensioning devices.

All photos by Alvin Ramer

Type 1 Tilt Tension Device
Type 1: Cast iron saddle

Type 1 Variation Tilt Tension Device
Type 1 Variation: U-shape flat iron bar

Type 2 Tilt Tension Device
Type 2: Cast iron clamshell

Type 3 Tilt Tension Device
Type 3: U-bolt style

Type 4 Tilt Tension Device
Type 4: Slot in Y-shaped end of wheel table

View from Drive Wheel Side  View from End of Table
Unusual spring tensioner, view from drive wheel side (left) and view from end (right)

Sliding Tensioner
Sliding tensioner

 

A Trousseau Spinning Wheel
by Eugene Klingshirn

Eugene Klingshirn of North Olmsted, OH, tells about another little German spinning wheel that he discovered. He found an interesting solution for replacing missing parts of ivory.

From the collection of Eugene Klingshirn (detail at right)

Trousseau Wheel   Trousseau Wheel Detail

 

Whorl Nubs
by David Bownas

In response to a question, David Bownas of Poughkeepsie, NY, uncovered a small detail on the spindle whorls of several of his and wife Pat's "ladies." This feature on whorls appears mostly on German wheels.

Square Mortised Whorl with Plug Removed   Square Mortised Whorl with Plug Inserted
Square mortised whorl with plug removed (left) and inserted (right)

 

Taming the Worst of the Great Wheels
by Peter Fowler

While living in Oregon, Peter Fowler, now of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, tried to spin on a horrible old great wheel at a small historical society. An old picture of a French spinning wheel showed him how to arrange the drive band to make the wheel work well again.

Peter Fowler at Pioneer Museum
Peter Fowler with Pioneer Museum wheel

French Postcard of Spinner   Detail of Drive Band
French postcard from the collection of Peter Fowler (left) and detail of drive band from same postcard (right)

 

The Answer from Pat Bownas

It was unclear what type of spindle mechanism was on the French wheel shown in the postcard above. As luck would have it, Pat Bownas has a different old picture showing that same wheel. The spinning mechanism can be seen clearly.

French Spinner Postcard from Bownas Collection
French postcard from the collection of Pat Bownas

 

Twisted Thoughts, in Both Directions
by Alan Raistrick

Independently Alan Raistrick of Chinnor, England, found historical corroboration of the drive-band arrangement. He also has some thoughts on how whorls were made, and why.

Left Hand Tap     Hand Chaser
Left hand tap (left) and hand chaser (right)

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©2002 The Spinning Wheel Sleuth