Gunsmith's Float

Date1800-1850

MediumSteel, iron and wood

DimensionsLength: 9" Teeth: 5/8" across

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2004-34

DescriptionTypical gunsmith's float with a nicely turned wooden handle securing the tang of the crooked iron and steel component. Triangular in section, it is cut with ten sharpened, curved teeth of chisel-like form.
Label TextUsed in a manner much like a file, the gunsmith’s float was the perfect tool to shape and smooth out barrel channels in gunstocks. This well-made example has very large rounded teeth