I’m helping my Dad downsize his possesion prior to moving into an apartment, and we have to find a way to dispose of a spinning wheel and a loom from my mother, who died several years ago.
Neither Dad nor I have any idea of the going price for these sorts of things. Can anyone offer me any advice, or point me to an on-line resource that might help me price and sell them?
The spinning wheel is a Saxony style (the kind you associate with Rumplestiltskin and Sleeping Beauty). It’s modern, about 35 years old, and came from New Zealand in a pre-fab kit. I don’t have the maker’s name, but it may well be an Ashford Traditional wheel, which one company is selling for $435 new. If so, what sort of discount would be there be for a 35 year old one, in good working order?
The loom is a four-harness floor loom from a company in New Hampshire. I can get the maker’s name later today from Dad.
And search Craigslist as prices seem to vary quite a lot on the Ashford Traditional. It hasn’t changed much so age doesn’t matter, but in San Diego it wasn’t uncommon to hear of them being bought for $75 and that seemed to be the going rate. Which is really cheap for a spinning wheel. Up here (northern California, southern Oregon) I see them listed for $250 but I have no idea if they actually get that much for them. When you advertise the wheel you’ll want to also mention any other accessory items, e.g., bobbins, niddy noddy, orifice hook, long staple wool suitable for a beginner which will make it more attractive. It’s the first wheel for a lot of spinners on a budget.
In Minnesota, I’d call the Weaver’s Guild (my daughter has taken a number of classes there) that would both give you a good idea of price and provide a listing service. See if there is a Weaver’s Guild near you, or if not, call the Minnesota Guild - they are very helpful people.
There are online listing services for just looms (I was looking a little when it looked like my daughter might stick with it - instead I have two unused rigid headle looms.