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View Full Version : Any Shaker experts?



Ken Werner
04-15-2007, 8:52 PM
I just acquired this lovely old umbrella swift. It's a device used to wind yarn. I recognized its function and very high quality of workmanship. But when I got home and started doing some research, I became convinced that it may actually be Shaker made.

Anybody on the creek able to spot real Shaker from the rest of the world?
Here are some pictures:

Michael Gibbons
04-16-2007, 3:59 PM
I don't know if it is Shaker, but it looks like it might be. The Shaker Millenium Laws state that they were not allowed to sign or mark any piece in any way that would identify who made it which is a shame because most Shaker fans have to guesstimate when and where a certain piece was built.You might want to contact Christian Beecksvort who repairs and restores shaker furniture.

Martin Shupe
04-16-2007, 5:57 PM
Ken, you might check with the Shaker Museum in Chatham, NY. They have a large collection of Shaker objects, and a good curator, who might be able to help you identify it. Even if they can't, the museum, although hard to find, is really worth a trip. Another possibility is the Hancock Shaker Village, about an hour or so from Chatham, IIRC.