Images(2)

Try Square

Dateca. 1796

OriginEngland

MediumSteel and brass

DimensionsLength: 5 7/16" Width: 3 9/16" Thickness of brass leg: 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-157

DescriptionSmall square comprised of a steel blade joined with three brass pins to an engraved brass leg made of three stacked sheets of metal. Four additional brass pins secure the free end of the brass leg. A wriggle-work border is present on both faces of the brass leg, along with "JM" and “1796” among flourishes.
Label TextAcquired by an anonymous tradesman with the initials "JM" in 1796, this try square was important enough to have his name and date engraved in it. With a fixed blade and no graduations, the purpose of this little tool was to gauge a "square" angle of 90 degrees when marking and laying out work.
MarkingsThe owner's initials "IM" and the date "1796" are engraved in script on one side of the brass leg, amidst some inexpertly cut flourish work.