Heckling wheel, possibly from a water driven flax mill

Short and long fibres were seperated by combing before they were spun.  This process was known as heckling.   Large wheel made up of panels of wood with spikes on the outside to act as a comb. The inner section has four spokes and a cog, and is secured to the wood with a series of bolts.  Used in the preparation of flax for linen manufacture.