This exuberant wheel appears to be related to the family of wheels in the previous post, “Julia.” Those wheels are marked “JC,” “IC,” or “SC,” accompanied by star/flower stamps, and I expected to see one of those sets of initials on this one. But, no–nothing but star stamps–lots of them.

The basic characteristics of this wheel are the same as the others–small table, vase-turned legs, 16 tulip bud spokes, painted rim, extra upright supports, star stamps, and pagoda tops.

But when viewed side-by-side with Julia, everything is slightly different. This wheel’s table is slightly longer, narrower, and less tilted. The turnings–while sharing the same general contours–are different.

The spokes are shorter and stouter.

The drive wheel is about the same 20″ diameter, but looks heftier because of a broader rim. Even the star/flower stamps are different.

Jerusha has stars on every side of the table (Julia doesn’t have them on the wheel end), with wave patterns down both sides and additional stars in the curves.

The table is generally wedge-shaped, but has a slight peak underneath in the middle.

The table underside is smooth, with beautiful chamfered edges.

The tension knob is plump, with a painted band. That end of the table is decorated with an unusual carved pattern and all corners have the small-large-small chip carving of the other wheels in the family.

The non-spinner side leg has a nail in the bottom, presumably to keep the wheel from moving across the floor.

There also is a nail driven into the table in front of the rear drive-wheel support.

The treadle parts and flyer assembly are missing, but the wheel shows that it was well-used by the layers of encrusted grease around the axle and on the maidens.

The wheel is decorated with black bands, although some have worn off and others covered with years of grime.

The paint colors on the drive wheel appear to be black and perhaps red.

And the wheel’s crowning glory is the trio of triple pagodas.

I have an extra flyer assembly that looks as if it will fit this wheel and my husband will make new treadle parts this fall. Then we’ll see how she spins.

January 18, 2022 update:

In May, 2021, I took a trip to Pennsylvania to railroad antique wheels there and back, visit with other wheel lovers, and see the textile tool collections at the Landis Valley Museum, Ephrata Cloister, and Schwenkfelder museum. Thanks to friend and fellow railroader, Tina M., a highlight of the trip was a morning she and I spent with Bill Leinbach, who not only is an extraordinary weaver, but also has a remarkable collection of antique wheels. Weaving, wheels, good conversation–my idea of heaven. Since then, Bill has generously continued to share his knowledge with me and, when he asked if I would be willing to part with Jerusha, I was delighted to pass her on to him. After his meticulous clean up and new treadle and distaff parts, she has been brought back to her full glory. Thank you Bill.