Images(2)

Tin Tools 2014-49; 2014-55; 2014-56; 2014-57; 2014-58; 2014-59; 2014-60; 2014-61; 2014-69; 2014 ...

Beak Horn Stake

Date1770-1820

OriginAmerica or England

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOverall: 35.6 x 81.3cm (14 x 32in.)

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-56

DescriptionLong-nosed "beak horn" stake. One flange is flat-topped with one beveled edge and one squared edge and a rounded, beveled tip. Round-sectioned, long tapering "beak" with a pointed end. Squared post with chamfered corners and a stepped-down tapering tang.
Label TextThis large tool had a myriad of uses, limited only by the various shapes of its working surfaces. With a heavy integral post, stakes were set into square holes in either workbenches or tree stumps, and functioned much like blacksmith's anvils.

Nicknamed a "beak horn" stake for its appearance, the beak end was used to shape a piece of tin into a rounded shape, like the cylindrical body of a mug, its gracefully curved handle, or even a candle mold.

Opposite the beak is a long, flat-topped flange which was used to create perfectly straight folds by beating the tin along one of its sides. Generally speaking, the top of the flange provided a good flat working surface which has innumerable uses.

ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.