Historical information

Swifts were used to wind coarse yarns when such were produced in skeins. Small bowl on top used to rest the ball of yarn when the swift is not in use

Significance

Swifts were used to wind skeins of thicker threads into balls for use

Physical description

Wooden swift of mahogany and holly (possibly). revolves on a metal spindle fitted into a clamp. Small yarn bowl on top. Under the bowl is turned polished wood into which the four expanding slats fit, bottoms also fiting into cradle slats, joined in middle and base with rivets. Small steel screw controls width of cradle extension