Name/Title
Stick, LoopEntry/Object ID
1993.2.9Description
Wedge shaped iron leather working tool.
From "The Dictionary of Leather-Working Tools c. 1700-1950" by R.A. Salaman, p. 257:
"A loop (or keep) is the piece of leather placed cross-wise on the straps near the point of strap and hold it in position. The "loop-stick" is a former on which the loop which is moulded and hammered into shape.
Pieces of hardwood or cross-section, about 7-10 in. (17.7-25.4 cm.) long and made in several sizes from 3/8 in (1 cm) to 2 in (5 cm) in width. The smaller sizes, used for bridle loops and the like, are usually made of boxwood; the larger sizes, needed for heavier harness work, are often made in beech.
The sticks are tapered, the thinner end for fixed loops, to allow the passages of one thickness of strap; the thick end for slide loop. To take two thicknesses of strap, some saddlers make their own loop sticks in lignum vitae, for this hardwood will stand a lot of hammering and compression, and it is not affected by wetting. For the same reason Iron loop sticks are made by the tool makers for heavy loops on which severe pessure must be applied when moulding.
There are two shapes of loop stick: (A) Straight, for general work (B) Bent, for loops made for curved straps such as tugs.
The ornamentation of loops is traditionally done with crease tools, but under factory conditions by means of a die and press.Dimensions
Width
1-1/2 inDepth
7/8 inLength
13 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.