Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
BRT.64.68 |
Object Name |
Winder, Yarn |
Other Name |
Wool Winder/Reel |
Description |
A clock reel yarn winder used for making skeins of wool. The wooden reel has four turned 'T' shaped crossbars, with handle-like ends that are removable to allow the skein to slip off. One handle is a replacement. Three of the handles have a ridge. One handle has an indent. The gear and cog mechanism combined with a tongue and the peg on the cog make a click after a specific number of revolutions of the reel, indicating the length of the wool wound. There is an oval hole at the top of the main vertical support pole which is used as a carrying handle. The reel has a lower semi-circular base with three splayed legs. The reel is held together using blacksmith-made nails. |
Year Range from |
1830 |
Year Range to |
1870 |
Dimensions |
H-91 W-34 L-34 cm |
History |
A wool winder or reel was used to wrap spun yarn around to make skeins. A reel could also be called a weasel and from this comes the nursery rhyme 'pop goes the weasel' as the reel would make a popping noise when it attained a certain yardage. Reels were used across North America despite attempts by the English to discourage the wool industry. The donor, Margaret Gildner, was an active member of the Toronto Township Historical Society. She initially served as its secretary before taking on the President role in 1968. Margaret and her husband William donated many items to the artifact collection. References: http://www.iwto.org/WhyWool/WoolHistory.htm |
People |
Gildner, Margaret |