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Flax Wheel Base
Flax Wheel Base
Flax Wheel Base

Flax Wheel Base

Maker
Period1790 - 1810
MediumCherry and perhaps maple
Dimensions26.75 × 19.6 × 28 in. (67.9 × 49.8 × 71.1 cm)
SignedBranded on the adjustment screw end of the table, "ALEXr LOW" in a serrated rectangle.
ClassificationsUnusual and Specialized Furniture
Credit LineGift in memory of Charles Vanderveer from Edward N. King, Jr., 2002
Object number2002.13
DescriptionThree turned and splayed legs insert into the table, which also has the two turned supports for the drive wheel remaining in place. The turned adjustment screw for the bobbin and flyer unit also remains. The upper edge of the table end above the adjustment screw is chip carved.
Curatorial RemarksThis spinning wheel base is a rare surviving fragment of a Saxony style flax spinning wheel made by Alexander Low (1741 - 1836) of Freehold, Monmouth County. A complete example can be seen at the Historic Village at Allaire in nearby Wall Township. Entries in Low's account book in the archives of the Association indicate that between 1791 and 1810 this turner and cabinetmaker sold nine flax wheels ranging in price from 1 pound four shillings six pence to 2 pounds 12 shillings. He also repaired nine more. For more information on Alexander Low, see accession numbers 1991.621 and 1995.533.NotesThe rare marked spinning wheel base was found in the barn of Charles Vanderveer (1905 - 1983) off South Street in Freehold, Monmouth County. For many years an antiques dealer, Vanderveer left much of his collection to the Association. Trustee Edward N. King, Jr., salvaged the base from the barn.
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