In the age of homespun, ingenuity produced a variety of devices for winding skeins of yarn.  The centuries-old, hand-held "niddy-noddy" was often replaced with more elaborate reels which stood on a floor, mounted on a table, and were either vertical or horizontal.  Many had a mechanism for counting revolutions to measure a skein.  

The Shaker version had a clock face and gear-driven hand; hence the name clock reel, which is sometimes applied to types like this doll model.  These use a driven gear that makes a loud "clack" every 20-30 revolutions of the reel.  Tasha Tudor asserts that the song, "Pop goes the weasel", originated from the reels going round and round until suddenly they 'popped'.  See page 69 in Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts for another example of clocking reel. 

The doll model, while functional, is not a toy and should be considered for display only.  There is no clacker, as this would easily break were the reel turned backwards.  Photos show the gear mechanism, and key wedges holding tenoned posts in their mortises, like the original.

$185.00

Approximately 6"x6" at  base of feet, 7" reel, 10 1/2" total height. 

 Please check on availability.