Images(2)

Tin Tools 2015-138; 2013-56; 2014-70 through 2014-81

Setting-Down Machine

Dateca.1830-1843

Maker Seth Peck & Co.

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Southington

MediumIron, steel, wood, and brass

DimensionsOH: 26 3/4" OW: 13 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-70

DescriptionHand-operated machine with two geared disk-shaped dies set at 90 degrees to each other and a spring-loaded and adjustable axel on the crank. Mounted on a tenoned wooden post for setting and wedging into a workbench top (bellied in on one side to accommodate the work).
Label TextAt the beginning of the nineteenth century, Eli Parsons and Calvin Whiting received the first American patents for their machines invented to perform some of the functions of the tinsmith. By 1810, the duo had contracted with Seth Peck of Stonington, CT, who manufactured and continually improved the machines, and ultimately purchased Parsons and Whiting's patents.

Peck became very successful, and his machines were sold all over the United States. It is believed that by the mid-1830s, most American tinsmiths were using Peck's products. This machine bears the earliest of Peck's marks, which first appeared around 1830, and was used until 1843 when the firm began operating under the name PECK, SMITH & COMPANY.

Called a "setting-down machine," this handy device was used to firmly set down the folded edge of a piece of tin.
MarkingsSETH PECK & CO. PATENT stamped into he brass top of the frame.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.