$140.00
Antique Timepiece Support Spindle No.186 ~ One-of-Two made - Steampunk Design - Tibetan Size - Circa 1920 "Wizard" labeled Swiss Pocket Watch Dial
WEIGHT: 1.6oz. (46g), WHORL: 1.72” (44mm) diameter, SHAFT: - this is the larger of the 2 that I make = .138" (3.5mm) dia. x 8.3" (21.4cm) length in Metallic Candy Apple Red
- NO-HOOK OPTION - Choose Option in Drop Down Menu - REMOVES 1/2" from total shaft length
Balanced to Perfection! This is a medium weight Size Support Spindle with plenty of rim weight for a good long spin - for spinning a wide variety of short and longer staple fibers.
Made from 27 individual pieces, this spindle (one of two nearly identical spindles) is made from a truly unique dial - Circa 1920, labeled "Wizard - this is a Swiss made for US import pocket watch dial that was used in a variety of faked look-alike watches sold in the early 1900's. It is a 3 piece dial - made from a snap fit machine/damaskeen (or damascene) engraved gold plated cap, a deep red cellulose acetate film with yellow/gold numerals, and a copper backing - adorned with period correct watch gears, screw, and crystal rhinestones - then coated with two thick layers of epoxy resin top coat for a no-snag/long life finish. The finished dial is mounted to a real gold plated 3mm thick filigree pendant and a vintage brass clock gear for a whorl - fitted to a metallic candy apple red powder-coat painted steel shaft with a hand forged hook - finished off with real gold plated spiral beads and silver plated findings, and one polished steel winding gear and crystal for fine balancing. All components are assembled with an industrial 2-part epoxy adhesive.
SWISS MADE WATCHES: The Swiss became dominant watchmakers following the religious upheavals of the early 16th century when wars forced civilians to become refugees and flee across the European continent. Some of these refugees moved to Switzerland, especially Geneva and took their watchmaking expertise with them. Of note, French Huguenots fled persecution in France and brought with them their watchmaking knowledge and a ban on gold jewelry in the city of Geneva, Switzerland drove the goldsmiths and jewelers to turn to watchmaking as an alternative instead of escaping the city. Unlike gold jewelry, watches were not banned and resulted in a lucrative market for the jewelers. The Swiss watch industry greatly expanded from these circumstances and thus the Swiss industry was born.
A wide variety of Swiss (analog watch – Circa 1600 - 1950) watch movements were made from the ornately hand carved and pierced gilt brass movements to less decorated and utilitarian brass and nickel plated alloy movements. Dials were also made in a very wide variety of designs - including fancy silver and gold alloys with ornate carvings, full color/hand painted polychrome works of art on porcelain enamel, common white and colored porcelain enamel dials with hand painted and silkscreen printed numerals and markings, and more basic plated base metal dials.
FREE SHIPPING Applies to All US States and Select US Territories Only: In-stock/Pre-made items typically ship in 1 business day and Made to Order items typically ship within 2-3 business days - via USPS-Ground Advantage Package Service. Transit times vary - ships from Tucson, AZ, USA.
INTERNATIONAL & UPGRADED SHIPPING AVAILABLE: Customer pays 100% of shipping charges for these options.
All John Galen spindles are designed and hand-crafted by John Galen Gudenkauf (owner/artist) in Tucson, AZ. Made in USA from US and Global Materials
2-5 business days
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.
Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Yes. I gladly accept custom orders, although they are limited when it comes to altering dimensions. TAHKLI/SUPPORT SPINDLES: customers can choose (in most cases) from the shaft colors, beads, and whorl color/wood species of items already listed.
Yes. I do offer wholesale sales to qualifying re-sellers. Contact me and we can discuss terms
I gladly accept orders by mail and do accept checks. When ordering, please phone or email John Galen to check availability and to reserve the item(s) you wish to order. When I receive the order/check in the mail, I will send out the package within 24 hours.
CONTACT: John Galen at 520-490-4962
EMAIL: johng@johngalen.com