I went for a trip to Cromford Mill the other day and found this in the Arkwright Society’s charity shop. At first it didn’t look like anything special because it was in a case from a much later machine. So you’ll imagine my surprise when I took the lid off and found this Jones spool machine inside, which dates from sometime in the 1890s!
It was very stiff to turn, but basically all there. Someone has at some point fitted it with an electric motor and foot controller, which is also quite vintage itself.
After a bit of oiling and working things backwards and forwards, I’m pleased to report the machine is now fully working.
It’s amazing what you can find in a charity shop sometimes!