The Flaxseed Press from Cristian, Brașov County

     The museum collection dedicated to the oil-making process has been successfully enriched by the addition of a special type of press, equipped with wedges and huge hammers, made at the turn of the 19th century by the Saxon craftsman Christian Schobel. The device was used to extract oil from the seeds of flax, a native plant of notable importance. According to the last owners' statements, the press remained in use until 1939.

     Originally located in a special workshop, built in the owner's yard, where the boiler and oil scales were also located, the press used to stand out because of its massive size, necessary to withstand the forces developed during use. Two men would firmly strike the hammers into the wedges of the press, and the oil would flow through a pipe into the metal cauldron placed in front of the device. The oil was not only used for the family's needs, but also for trade, attracting merchants from far away.