Images(2)

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

Bench Shears

Dateca. 1870

Maker C. Brombacker

OriginAmerica, New York, Tarrytown

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 29" Length of cutting edges: 6 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-67

DescriptionBench shears with blunt-ended elongated jaws.
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.
MarkingsMarked C. BROMBACKER TARRYTOWN NY WARRANTED CAST STEEL PATENTED JAN. 18 1870 on the lower handle near the pivot bolt.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.