Object Number 2015.0028.005 A, B

Object Name

Tool (for textiles) (Swift)

Category

Tools

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase with funds provided by Mrs. Jeanne L. Asplundh

Place of Origin

Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Origin Notes

Likely Berks, Bucks, or Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Date

1740-1820

Materials

Oak; Maple; Hickory

Dimensions (inches)

35.25 (H) , 19 (L) , 27.5 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

89.535 (H) , 48.26 (L) , 69.85 (W)

Measurement Notes

This object is comprised of two parts: the swift mechanism itself and the its stand. These are their measurements broken down: The swift component alone measures 27.625 (OW) x 27.875 (OH) x 15.125 (OD) inches. The stand component alone measures 13.75 (OW at base) x 22 (OH) 19.5 (OD at base) inches. (Updated by E.Palms, 11/29/2022)

Object Description

Web - 12/15/2016

Stretching a skein of yarn around the top of this swift ensured that it would unwind easily, free from tangles. The size of the top can be adjusted by moving hickory twigs into different holes in the spokes. The base is large and made of heavy oak, with two board feet. The base of this swift dates to the eighteenth century, but the fragile rotating top was likely replaced by weavers during the early nineteenth century.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Pritchard, M. E. 1954 A Short Dictionary of Weaving: Including Some Spinning, Dyeing and Textile Terms and a Beginner's Guide to Weaving and Dyeing. 196.
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