Iron and Oak Flax Hetchel
15 x 3.5 inches. A 19th-century primitive flax or hemp hetchel, also known as a hatchel or hackle, designed for the textile process of combing and straightening plant fibers before spinning. The tool features a thick, rectangular oak wood base with two circular mounting holes at either end for securing the device to a bench or table. A central rectangular bed contains approximately 80 to 90 long, hand-forged, tapered iron spikes. These spikes are reinforced by a wraparound iron band along the sides of the wooden block, which is secured with hand-pounded iron rivets. The underside of the oak base reveals the peened ends of the spikes where they were driven through the wood. No maker marks, stamps, or labels are visible on the wooden or metal components.
[ translate ]15 x 3.5 inches. A 19th-century primitive flax or hemp hetchel, also known as a hatchel or hackle, designed for the textile process of combing and straightening plant fibers before spinning. The tool features a thick, rectangular oak wood base with two circular mounting holes at either end for securing the device to a bench or table. A central rectangular bed contains approximately 80 to 90 long, hand-forged, tapered iron spikes. These spikes are reinforced by a wraparound iron band along the sides of the wooden block, which is secured with hand-pounded iron rivets. The underside of the oak base reveals the peened ends of the spikes where they were driven through the wood. No maker marks, stamps, or labels are visible on the wooden or metal components.
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