Name/Title
Punch, Saddler'sEntry/Object ID
1993.2.69Description
Saddler's crew punch composed of a steel wedge-shaped element with an oblong well at the end. Well is open at bottom.
Mark: "1/2" "C.S. OSBOURNE & CO"
From "The Dictionary of Leather-Working Tools c. 1700-1950" RA Salaman, p. 266:
"The punches used by saddlers and harness makers are those that cut holes and those that punch out small shapes or decorative edges. Most of these punches are about 5 in. long, madein steel throughout with a squared shank. The cutting head usually consists of a hollowed taper or tube with a cutting edge of the desired shape of the foot. This 'tube' is also tapered internally so that the piece of leather punched out can escape at the top. One side of this cutting head is joined to the shank leaving a side outlet or escape; or it is forged in a form known as 'arched' i.e., the shank is joined to the top of the cutting head on two sides, leaving the space between as an outlet.
The crew punch cuts an oblong slot which can also be made by punching two holes at a distance from each other and cutting out the leather between them, made in sizes 33 - 40 (5/16 - 1 1/8), It is used to make the hole in hte strap (or chape) which, when the strap is folded over the bar of the buckle, allows the heel of the buckle tongue to protrude and move freely."Made/Created
Artist
C.S. Osbourne & Co.Date made
1850 - 1950Dimensions
Width
3/4 inDepth
1/2 inLength
4-3/4 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
McClay, Albert and JohnProvenance
Notes
Object owned and used by John McClay, circa 1854 and his son, Albert McClay, circa 1908-1977. Object donated, in 1993, by Wayne Cunningham, son-in-law to Albert McClay.