Spinning wheel

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Spinning wheel

Entry/Object ID

2024.13.1

Description

Flax wheel with a simple turned distaff. The wheel and table are of oak and the turned elements are probably maple. The relatively simply turned spindles and legs are characteristic of Shaker wheels. The turnings on the maidens and distaff are typical of Alfred Shaker wheels.

Made/Created

Date made

1809 - 1823

Material

Maple, oak

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

Sometimes referred to as a Saxony wheel, this type of spinning wheel was used to spin flax. The bobbin, flyer, and foot treadle are missing. It is branded "SR AL", for Samuel Ring, Alfred. Flax wheels such as this were branded with Ring’s initials for many years after his Trusteeship in Alfred had ended.