Clock reel

Object/Artifact

-

Saco Museum

Name/Title

Clock reel

Entry/Object ID

2024.9.1

Description

Clock reel, with six turned spindles and four turned feet on the rectangular base. The clock mechanism is enclosed in a wooden box. On one side is a wooden indicator arrow attached by a metal pin within an inscribed circle. Impressed below this: “J. MILES”.

Made/Created

Date made

1750 - 1850

Dimensions

Height

40 in

Width

23-1/2 in

Depth

9 in

Material

Wood

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Cultural/Historical Context

Label

Clock reels were used to measure the length of a skein of yarn. The reel has a series of gears that trigger a noisemaking device when a certain amount of yarn had been wound, usually forty turns. J. Miles was probably the maker, but so far no information about this individual has come to light.