Name/Title
Turner, SeamEntry/Object ID
1993.2.97Description
Leather-working tool composed of a turned wood handle that narrows toward the top. A brass ring fits on top of the handle and into this fits an iron, curved arm with W-shaped recession on end.
Mark on iron arm cannot be read.
From "The Dictionary of Leather-Working Tools c. 1700-1950" by RA Salaman, p. 271:
"The saddler's seamturner is usually a gently curved shank, mounted in a turned handle, and measures c. 6.5 in. in length overall. The small head has a shallow, concave depression. It's chief use is to smooth down the underside of a welted seam, e.g., the seam between the skirt and seat of a riding saddle. These are sewn together on the inside with a piece of folded leather between them. The edges are then dampened, and are pressed out with the seam turner."Dimensions
Width
1 inDepth
1-1/8 inLength
5-5/8 inMaterial
Wood, Iron, BrassRelationships
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.