Can't see what might happen when you turn the wheel.....could 8it be a linen press?

Hi Lindac.It has a small ( seemingly useless) crank,on the pole side. The wheel is grooved for a belt.Where that belt would go,I can't see. The legs are also moveable to a degree.As usual,with stuff I like/buy,it's built like a brick (well you know what).Maybe at one time there was a big wheel on the pole.Some fool made a lamp on the pole end,so I can't tell.At least they only stuck a lamp socket on the end.No drilling and ruining.I think if it were a press,the two front dowels would also screw down.All thoughts are good and welcome. Thank you
john

It's a former spinning wheel that has been reworked (the light-colored board in the top is a replacement for the one that held the spinning apparatus and passed the drive belt through it) So it's now a "decorative object". The crank would have originally been worked by a treadle (or pair of them)
Casey

I agree that it was a spinning wheel in its former life. Most of the spinner pieces are missing and the frame has been reworked to make a decorative object. The only original parts are the wheel with it's crank. The crank pin is gone and all connections to a treadle. Its value as an antique is gone. The value of the wheel and crank could be increased if it were incorporated into a new spinning wheel by a good craftsman who makes replicas.

Hey guys. Thank you for the info.Again, while value is cool, it's past life is more important.I kind of lean on the thought that a kid would turn the small handle,not a treadle. Reason ,the feet are real to the piece.Thanks again
john