Museum Collections
Luce Center
Clock reel
Object Number:
Z.974
Date:
1750-1800
Medium:
Wood
Dimensions:
Overall: 35 x 15 x 21 1/2 in. ( 88.9 x 38.1 x 54.6 cm )
Description:
Wooden clock reel (missing arms); turned horizontal shaft with threads carved at center supported between two posts, with wooden disk with sawtooth edge mounted below threaded section; entire apparatus mounted on top of rectangular plank raised on four splayed rounded legs.
Gallery Label:
A clock reel had either four or six arms around which a length of yarn was wound in order to measure it. If the distance around the arms measured 2 yards, then forty turns of the device would yield a "knot" (a length of 80 yards). A skein (560 yards) was the equivalent of 7 knots.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.