First, let me introduce myself. I am Ruth Johnson of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and this is my first post to this website. I have been making bobbin lace since 1995.
At a recent antique sale I made an exciting purchase - an antique bobbin winder. The seller had bought it from another dealer who said it was from the 1830s and Welsh. I haven't been able to find anything on the Internet to authenticate its age, location of manufacture, rarity, or value. A friend did some research in her personal library and found something similar in Charles Freeman's "Pillow Lace in the East Midlands", page 42, figure 3. A wooden screw mechanism holds the winder onto the edge of a table. It seems this design was made "later" than the earliest winders, but there is no indication of when "later" was. I have no idea what kind of wood it is made from. The bottom part that clamps to the table appears to have been stained (not painted) with a black ink-like colour and there is evidence of this colour in some of the grooves on the flywheel. The winder is in wonderful condition and runs smoothly. It shows evidence of gentle use and could be used again (but with the risk of breaking the bobbin holder by forcing a bobbin into it). The cord on the flywheel has been replaced by a modern elastic band. I would greatly appreciate any further information anyone can provide to assist me in learning more about this antique winder. - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
