Hand Wheel, c.1890-1920
Unknown
Switzerland
This hand wheel was used to power lathes and other horological tools before the development of small electric motors. The hand wheel was clamped to a work bench with the tool below the bench. A leather belt connected the wheel to various small turns and lathes which were clamped to the bench directly above the tool. As the wheel was turned by hand, the leather belt conveyed power to the tool turning the lathe.
Donated by Dorothy Teskey
79.65.1