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Iron, Shoemaker's

Object Name:
Iron, Shoemaker's
Object ID:
1977.055.01.060
Date:
1888-1914
Description:
Edge iron. Steel head of the double forepart type, each face is flat with straight edges that flare outward slightly at the top, one edge is bevelled, tapering square tang. Top of head has protruding center guard with crease at base on either side. Forepart irons were used to set the edge of the sole closest to the ground on the forepart of the shoe (toes to instep). From shoemaker's bench 1977.055.01.1.
Material:
Metal
Steel
Dimensions:
W-0.875 L-3.5 D-0.5 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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