Flax or Hemp Brake
Flax or Hemp Break
circa 1700 – 1850 (Date manufactured/created)
Wood
The outer, woody part of flax and hemp plants needed to be removed in order to use the fine long fibers inside for thread. The brake’s hammer was lifted and a large bundle of the plant was placed across the lower teeth. By dropping the hammer, the upper teeth mesh with the lower, breaking the outer shell or bark. This outer part of the plant would often be used to stuff bed ticks (mattresses).
Gift of Charles A. Dudley of Guilford in 1902
HW1902.206