Just what is it? hand weavers, spinners, knitters?

[glamoursurf]

I need some help identifying just what this is. I was attracted to this thing as it looks like a hand weavers spindle of some sort. Now I'm not so sure as I can't seem to find anything like it. Is it perhaps a toy of some sort? A top?

It's nice and heavy. Made of a few different types of wood. The large base is heavy. the center has an anchor hole and that wooden piece in the middle spins. There is a small metal piece just at the center of the bottom which looks like it spins on this point. Help please. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks so much!

 

[themerchantsofvintage]

It looks short for a spindle. Prayer wheel, maybe with something longer attached that would spin?

 

[glamoursurf]

Thanks Deborah. It's actually about 10" long x 4" at widest point. A prayer wheel, never heard of that, off to go check.

 

[glamoursurf]

A bobbin sounds like a good term, but I don't think it would be for lace.

 

[sewingmachinegirl]

My mother was a spinner and weaver and this thingy looks familiar- but I have no idea what its called- sorry!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Pam, it looks like a curtain finial to me: they usually come in pairs and antique ones can be quite elaborate. I have a beautiful pair of Victorian ones that it took me years to figure out what they were.

You can see some here on google search.

 

[glamoursurf]

Hmm, I don't know Nicole. That spinning part makes me think it's gotta have a purpose.

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

You know that Victorian Festival I'm planning to attend (and win the costume contest) this fall? Well, they've got all sorts of spinning/tatting/weaving experts showing off their skills. I'd bet if you contact some lace-making/weaving/spinning/fiber arts consortium or other, they'll know exactly what it is. Lemme see what I can find, hang on...

Maybe ask these people? --> http://www.fiberartsalliance.org/

 

[Better Dresses Vintage]

It's so pointy, do you think maybe it has something to do with that thing, is it felting, where you poke bits of fiber through a piece of fabric? Gah, I can't seem to form proper sentences or remember words today. Sorry. I used to see some guy doing it at the local yarn shop, and it involved a fancy, pointy, bobbin-looking gadget.