• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Swivel turner - swivel maker

B

Brummie On Exmoor

master brummie
I have a male relative who is listed in the 1891-1911 Censuses as a Swivel Turner or Swivel Maker. I have found Google references to this being both something from watch making - 'Watch Bar & Swivel Maker'. I have also found a reference in 1818 Wrightson's Directory to a 'Military Swivel Maker'. Does anyone have any ideas please?
Many thanks.
 
Brummie On Exmoor said:
I have a male relative who is listed in the 1891-1911 Censuses as a Swivel Turner or Swivel Maker. I have found Google references to this being both something from watch making - 'Watch Bar & Swivel Maker'. I have also found a reference in 1818 Wrightson's Directory to a 'Military Swivel Maker'. Does anyone have any ideas please?

Hi,
I would think it referred in the military sense to the attachment
fitted to rifles that would allow the sling to to turn relative
to the weapon so that it wouldn't kink in use.
Similar arrangement to that fitted to some watchchains to
allow the watch to be turned without twisting the chain.

Kind regards

Dave
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Dave. Yes, that sounds spot on. I am fairly sure that my man is involved with watches rather than guns, as he seems to come from a family involved with the Jewellery trade. My husband says that he assumes that a watch bar & swivel was the gizmo used to attach a pocket watch to a waistcoat etc, the bar being the little thing you put through the button hole, and the swivel attaching the watch to the bar and the chain.
Thanks again
Best wishes
Jane
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top