Overview
A classic 4-harness, 6-treadle 'jack-type' floor loom featuring a space-saving X-frame folding design. Crafted from solid hard rock maple, this professional-grade tool was engineered to bring high-capacity weaving into the modern home.
Preliminary identification
Harrisville Designs Model T4 Folding Floor Loom
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Born in a historic New Hampshire mill town during the 1970s craft revival, this was designed as the 'Ford Model T' of weaving. It allowed urban artisans to weave full-sized rugs in small apartments. You could even fold it while fully warped.
Maker / Origin
Harrisville Designs was founded in 1971 to save a historic textile village—now a National Historic Landmark—by pivoting from industrial production to hand-weaving kits. The Colony family has operated mills in this same town since the early 1800s.
Condition & Value
The maple frame appears structurally sound with a warm patina. The metal heddles and reed show minor surface oxidation typical of age, which may require light cleaning to prevent snagging. It is currently unwarped, so the tensioning brake and treadle smoothness should be verified. Good overall condition maintains the mid-range value.
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Market Analysis
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Value Drivers
- ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
- ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
- ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact
Concerns
- ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
- ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
- ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Comparable Sales
5 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD