Images(2)

Tin Tools 2014-62A&B; 2014-63; 2014-64; 2014-65; 2014-66; 2014-67; 2014-68;

Bench Shears

Date1824-1854

Maker J and E North

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, North Berlin

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 30 1/4" Length of cutting edges: 7 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-66

DescriptionBench shears with elongated jaws and angled bench tang.
Label TextWhile the tinsmith would use a scissors-like hand shear to cut small pieces of tin, for larger cuts he would turn to the bench shears. Based on the same principal as the smaller version, this shear was mounted on a work bench or stump, and allowed the operator to put much more force into the cut, while offering good control.

The lower handle has a downward-pointing tang which fits into a hole in the workbench or stump. A similar projection at the end of the top handle acted as a stop, bearing on the lower one and preventing the used from crushing his knuckles.

These tools were manufactured in a number of different sizes during the 18th and 19th centuries, and this example is amongst the larger ones. Made under patent by the Connecticut firm of J & E North, the mark CAST STEEL means the shears was forged from steel made by a casting process. This causes confusion nowadays since it does not mean the components of this tool were cast into the shapes we see.
MarkingsMarked J. & E. NORTH BERLIN CONN. CAST STEEL PATENT at the midway point of the lower handle.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.