Name/Title
Punch, Saddler'sEntry/Object ID
1993.2.55Description
Saddler's oval punch composed of a steel wedge-shaped element with an oval well at the end. Well is open at the bottom.
Mark: "10" "C.S. OSBOURNE & CO"
From "The Dictionary of Leather-Working Tools c. 1700-1950" by RA Salaman, p. 266:
"The punches used by saddler's 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, made in 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 at 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 top of the cutting head on two sides, leaving the space between as an outlet.
Oval punches are usually preferred, for they are less weakening to the strap; and an oval hole, further recessed by using a buckle tongue gouge, allows the buckle tongue to lie flat. "Dimensions
Width
7/8 inDepth
5/8 inLength
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.