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Bench Plate 2014-68
Bench Plate
Bench Plate 2014-68

Bench Plate

Date1810-1850
OriginAmerica
MediumCast iron
DimensionsOL: 30" OW: 8 " Maximum thickness: 2"
Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart
Object number2014-68
DescriptionCast iron bench plate with one round aperature and ten square ones, of which the largest five are reinforced. There are four round bolt holes to secure the plate to the working surface.
Label TextBefore the industrial revolution, tinsmiths mounted their stakes in mortises cut directly into the tops of their workbenches. This was a less than ideal set-up since changes in humidity would affect the way the tools fit into the bench, and the constant moving of stakes would cause wear. Cast iron bench plates like this one appeared early in the 19th century and effectively solved these problems. Stake wear to the wooden bench top was minimalized, and the iron apertures supporting the stakes allowed for easy withdrawal, even in humid conditions.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.
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