Shoemaker's tool - Peg wheel
Shoemaker's peg wheel
Name/Title
Shoemaker's tool - Peg wheelEntry/Object ID
2025.1.822Description
Wooden handle with a metal star-shaped wheel mounted on an iron shank.Context
Boot and shoe pegs are small wooden round or diamond shaped pins. In the 17th century pegs were used to build up heels but in the 18th century they became the common technique of attaching the upper sole to the inner sole, instead of sewing or riveting. Pegs would be driven in with a sharp blow of the hammer into the hole previous made by an awl. Pegs have the advantage of swelling when wet and creating a watertight boot - metal tended to be less successful and with continued wetting would slip and let water in. Pegged boots continued to be made for farmers and seamen until rubber became a cheaper and more effective alternative. Reference: Salaman, R. A., Dictionary of Leather-working Tools, c1700- 1950. Allen & Unwin, 1986.Cataloged By
Felix LamCategory
Saddlers, Shoemakers, Cobblers