Iron, Shoemaker's
- Object Name:
- Iron, Shoemaker's
- Object ID:
- 1977.055.01.045
- Date:
- 1888-1914
- Description:
- Edge iron. Steel head 1.25" x 0.5" x 0.9", each face is flat with straight edges that flare outward slightly at the top. One exterior top edge is bevelled. Head of the double double iron type. Thin central guard in center and two edges of top with creases at the base of each guard, like a forepoart iron which was used to set the edge of the sole closest to the ground on the forepart of the shoe (from toes to instep). Hafted in a turned wooden handle. Handle is bulbous in the center with a deep groove around middle and carved letter "A". End opposite steel head was originally used for hafting, but is broken and worn smooth, cavity for tang of hafted heads in exposed, 2 grooves around end. A piece of leather with a slit is tacked on the broken end for suspension. Cotton cord tied around handle at broken end. From shoemaker's bench 1977.055.01.1.
- Material:
- Metal
Leather
Wood
Steel
Iron - Dimensions:
- L-6.5 Dia-1.5 inches
- Provenance:
- Acquired in the vicinity of Durham, NH by the collector James Cowan Sawyer (1872-1944).
A shoe sole pattern (1977.55.1.96) bears the names Wiggin & Newhall who are listed in the 1895 Dover City Directory as boot and shoemakers. They were successors to Smith & Wiggin (1892-93 Dover City Directory), who were in turn successors of Walton R. Shaw (1890-91 and 1892-93 Dover City Directories). Wiggin was later in partnership with Dudley L. Furber who made shoes until 1914. Several shoe sole patterns (1977.55.1.95-.98) bear the initials H.G., possibly referring to Henry Glidden of Glidden and Bennett, boot and shoe manufacturers listed in the Dover City directories for 1888-1893. - Credit Line:
- James Cowan Sawyer Collection, Gift of George F. Sawyer and Charles H. Sawyer
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