Today, I headed to the Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup, WA. Each year since I started buying a fleece at the Shepherd’s Extravaganza, I’ve received a ticket for free entry into the fair. Every year, I go back, buy more fleeces and used equipment, and I’m always grateful to keep getting that entry ticket.
This year, I arrived early and checked out the used equipment sale. As I browsed, I noticed a Rick Reeves wheel that caught my eye, so I gave it a spin. I was thoroughly disappointed to hear terrible noises as I treadled the wheel. At $600 and with a horrible squawking, I moved on.
Then I spotted a beautiful Norwegian wheel. Three bobbins, in lovely shape and no sound when the wheel turned. Even a small sound would not have deterred me like the Reeves wheel. This wheel had character and a history that demanded my attention.
So I purchased it. The cost was reasonable compared to the other wheels that were also there. $300. Worth every penny.
I took her home and gave her a good orange wax rubdown, and tada! I present to you, Miss Elizabeth Bennett. Mr. Darcy needed a counterpart, a muse, someone to share bobbins with and to spend his days gazing upon her beauty. Ha! Nothing beats a good romance.
There are a few markings on the wheel: two buttons, one on the wheel itself and one on the end of the base.
I flipped her over to find a very faint stamp beneath the main wheel. I can barely see it, so if you have better eyesight or an idea, please leave a comment with the answer to this mystery.
While researching online, I found out that these wheels were made between the 1950s and 1960s in Bergen, Norway. I will do some more research or contact my Instagram friends in Norway to maybe point me in the right direction. As I learn more, I’ll share what I discover.
In all 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 (I’ll share more about the fiber in future posts), 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 done without the greasy corn dog, though what kind of fair would it be without this type of food?
Until next time….
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