Screwdriver or Turnscrew
Date1750 - 1820
OriginEngland or Europe
Mediumsteel, iron, wood and brass
DimensionsLength: 12 1/4"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1992-181
DescriptionScrewdriver is made from an engraved sword blade. Engraved decoration consists of floral flourishes and a robed woman holding sprigs in her upturned hands.Label TextCleverly adapted from a broken smallsword blade, this screwdriver has a wooden handle shaped like a thistle, the emblem of Scotland. The etching on the double-edged blade suggests it was made in Solingen, in what is now Germany.
ProvenancePurchased by source at dealer's sale held in conjunction with the National Antique Tool Auction, Morgantown, PA, 30 October 1992, from Peter R. Habicht, 1985 S. Undermountain Road, Sheffield, MA 01257-9718.
1770-1780
ca. 1796
1770-1830
1710-1730
ca. 1810
1765-1775
Ca. 1767-1768
1778-1779
1781-1782
ca. 1805
ca. 1775 (movement); 1805-1815 (case)