Issue: #32 - April 2001

In this issue we will learn the answer to a question and provide updated information about wheel makers we discussed in recent issues. We will study three unusual reels and three signed swifts.

Was It Ever True? Part 2
by Alan Raistrick

Alan Raistrick of Chinnor, England, raised the question "Were teasels ever used to prepare wool fibers?" After extensive research at libraries in Oxford and London, he reports on his findings.

Photos
1. Blanket carding, courtesy of the Oxfordshire Local Studies Collection
2. Smithfield Decretals, ca. early 14th century, courtesy of the British Library, London.
3. Luttrell Psalter, ca. 1338, courtesy of the British Library, London.

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Two Unusual Reels - Marketing, Not Utility
by Michael Taylor

Two unusual reels that came from Pennsylvania are analyzed by Michael Taylor of Marietta, OH. Their distinctive structures appear to be designed to enhance brand recognition.

Photos (both reels from the collection of Michael Taylor)
1: Daniel Danner reel
2: Double-dial reel

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A Distinctive Click Reel
by Pam Mawhiney

Pam Mawhiney of Port Crane, NY, discusses another distinctive reel that is probably from New York. She discovered that it has two counters that work together.

Photo: Double click reel from the collection of Pam Mawhiney

Three Manufactured Swifts
by Sue Bacheller

In the textile tool collection of Sue Bacheller of Plainville, MA, are three signed swifts. Two are patented, and she was able to trace the patents and the patent holders. The third has an interesting story about the maker.

Photos (all swifts from the colletion of Sue Bacheller)
1: A. Haskell swift
2: C.W. Pearson swift
3: E.W. Denny swift

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Updates:

John Sturdevant
by Florence Feldman-Wood

Silas Barnum
by Sue Bacheller

E.B. Sanford's Double-flyer Wheel
by Michael Taylor

In the Updates section we present new information on earlier topics. Since Issue #31 went out, we have learned more about John Sturdevant and Silas Barnum. Michael Taylor takes the opportunity to clarify some points about his E.B. Sanford double-flyer wheel mentioned in Issue #30.