Today I made my way down to the Washington State Spring Fair, Puyallup, WA. Each year that I have purchased a fleece from the Shepherd’s Extravaganza I have received a ticket for entry into the fair. Each year I go back and purchase more fleeces and used equipment, always thankful that I keep receiving that entry ticket.
This year I got in a bit early and checked out the used equipment sale. As I browsed, I saw a Rick Reeves wheel that was shouting for my attention, so I gave it some. I was heartily disappointed to hear terrible sounds as I treadled the wheel. At $600 and a horrific squawking, I moved on.
Then I spotted a beautiful Norwegian wheel. Three bobbins, in lovely shape and no sound when the wheel took a turn around. Even a small sound would not have deterred me like the Reeves wheel. This wheel had character and a history to it that demanded my attention.
So I purchased it. The cost was mild compared to the other wheels that were also there. $300. Worth every penny.
I took her home and gave her a good orange wax rub down and tada! I present to you, Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Mr. Darcy needed a counterpart, a muse, another to share bobbins with and to spend his days gazing upon her beauty. Ha! Nothing like a good romance.
There are a few markings on the wheel: two buttons as shown below, one on the wheel itself and one on the end of the base.
I flipped her over to discover a very faint stamp underneath the main table of the wheel. I can hardly make it out, so if you have some idea or better eyesight than me, please leave a comment as to the answer to this mystery.
Researching online, I was able to determine that these wheels were made between 1950’s-1960’s in Bergen, Norway. I will do some more research or reach out to my Instagram friends in Norway to maybe point me in the right direction. As I learn more, I’ll post what I find.
In all, it was a great day for me at the Shepherd’s Extravaganza. I found this remarkable wheel, four fantastic fleeces from the fleece sale (will share more in future posts on the fiber), two weaving books, a Peony drop spindle sold by Judy Taylor in the used equipment sale, two scones and a Krusty Pup. I could have lived without the greasy corn dog, though what kind of fair would it be without this type of food.
Until next time….
Hi! The stamp just verifies that it is sold thru Bergen Husfliden. It’s probably made nearby by a woodworker who has been certified by the guild and sold thru the local Husflid(Bergen). It’s a beautiful wheel and I’m very jealous! It’s hard to find wheels at any husflid in Norway these days so you were very lucky to find this treasure. Husflid means homemade or house worked,even “house-busy”.
Thank you so much for helping me solve bits of the mystery. I did some spinning on her tonight and thought how she was as old or older than me and has held up so well. It’s a lovely wheel to spin on.
Thanks again.
I don’t spin on a wheel, but if it did I would want to spin on something like this. A beautiful wheel with history and character, with elegant lines and mellowed wood. What a wonderful find!
It would be a worthy wheel for any spinner. I am not a display-type-of person, it needs to be used, needed and loved. Thanks.
Wheel twin powers, activate!
I went to a weaver’s open studio this morning and bought the same wheel with all three bobbins for a song. I just spent a few hours out on the deck with a friend cleaning and oiling our new wheels, (she bought a new to her Louet S15 yesterday, also for a song), and in my ever so brief googling of the name on the button on my new baby I found your blog post. I haven’t spun on mine yet, but somehow I don’t think it’ll be hard to set aside the CPW and the clun forest / silk blend to try her out. I’d love to know what you’ve found out about the makers of these wheels if you get a chance 🙂
I recently bought this too. Lovely spinner in Scotland.
I absolutely love your wheel! My grandmother was from Bergen, Norway and taught me about everything fiberwork. I love spinning more than anything, so I’ve been searching for this exact wheel in honor of her. If anyone comes across one, I’d love to hear about it. Happy spinning, all!!! ~Tammy Riddle