Farlow’s antique collapsible line drier c1885-1894

Maker: Farlow

Model: Collapsible line drier

Approximate year of manufacture: 1885-94

Condition: Good vintage

Material: Iron, brass & wood

Length/ diameter: 7.5″ arms

Country of manufacture: England

Ideal use: Display

TT opinion:

Antique Farlow’s Collapsible Line Drier circa 1885-1894. Stamped on one arm with Chas Farlow & Co, 191 Strand London (dates to 1885-1894). Another arm was stamped with Reg No 79016. Large heavy-duty clamp with butterfly screw, connected to Iron U frame 7 1/2″ long. The line winder can fold flat by unscrewing a wheel that holds a notched brass bar with 2 positions. Nice turned wood handle to the winder.

Original entry from 1889 Farlow’s catalogue…

“A machine for effectually drying lines when wet, made so that the air passes freely through it to every portion of the line, and so drew and preserves it. Each winder is fitted with a screw clamp, so that it may be screwed on any table. This clamp is arched to receive the scoop of the winch (foot of the reel), which can be placed or removed at wills that the machine need not be unscrewed after once fixing. The great advantage gained in using this winder is that it entirely prevents the kinking of the line, as is usually the case in the old method of winding the line rounds the backs of chairs,”