Skein winder

A skein winder winds yarn from a spindle or bobbin into a ring shaped skein. Skeins allow yarn to be stored, measured, washed or dyed before further use.

Hand held and rotating forms

Store norske leksikon describes both hand held winders with cross arms and later stand mounted forms with rotating arms and a crank. Some rotating examples have counters that mark set lengths.

Not the same as a yarn swift

A skein winder makes a skein from yarn. A yarn swift holds a finished skein open while the yarn is wound into a ball or onto a bobbin. Combination tools exist, so function and construction must be described precisely. Inspect arms, pegs, crank, counter, wear, decoration and repairs.

Source: Store norske leksikon, Hespetre.