14480 This is a most remarkable swift or yarn winder, having 18 triple arms radiating out from whale ivory cage collars at the top and bottom. Made of whale ivory, whale bone and walrus ivory, with mother of pearl inlays, it can be opened to over 3 feet in diameter. A turned ivory section with fancy thumbscrew rides on the whalebone shaft to allow the swift to be set in varying open positions. There is a beautifully carved base clamp with a matching thumbscrew. 20 in. tall, mid 19th century. Restoration to the ends of some of the ribs. Tied with newer ribbons. On a newly fashioned mahogany stand. In original box with early descriptive hand written note.

SORRY, SOLD