Prototype. Chapter text drafted from the research notes and not yet checked at the archives. Images awaiting permission are marked.

All Steel Shuttle Needle

Tool · checked at the source

Made by: Molter-Reinhard Co., Inc.
Date: undated (probably 1920s–1930s)
Place: Chicago, Illinois
Held by: Tuft the World (own collection)
Materials: steel, blued steel
Themes: Hand-tufting tools & the gun, Tools & equipment

Cited in chapter 9, note 12

Cite this source

Molter-Reinhard Co., Inc. All Steel Shuttle Needle, undated (probably 1920s–1930s). Tuft the World (own collection).

Research notes

All-steel two-handled rug needle with its printed package and directions. One handle carries the needle point; the other is a "blue steel looper" that is inserted after each stitch: "insert needle point as far as it will go, then insert looper (which is the other handle)… raise the needle point handle and insert it again… then raise looper and insert again." The directions recommend a 14 × 18 inch practice frame and say a shorter loop can be had by cutting ⅛ inch off the looper. The firm also sold yarn and rug patterns ("Our rug yarn is the best rug yarn made"; "You will be pleased with our rug patterns"). Same two-part alternating mechanism as the Susan Burr and Ross's 1891 patent. Date and firm history still to research.