Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary

Split spindle

A delicate slender turning was cut in half lengthwise, thus creating two half-round moldings.

Split spindles were created by gluing two blocks together with a thin strip of wood between the blocks. After the blocks were turned, the strip of wood was knocked out, leaving two half (or "split") spindles which could be applied to case furniture

An applied ornament of 17th-century and American furniture. It was applied to cabinets, cupboards, etc.

In Jacobean furniture, split spindles wee used for chair backs with the smooth cut side toward the sitter's back.


Photos and their arrangement © 2005 Chuck LaChiusa
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