Carpenter's Square

Date1766

MediumIron and brass

DimensionsLong leg: 24" x 1 9/16" x 1/8" Short leg: 10 11/16" x 15/16" x 1/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-193

DescriptionIron carpenter's square with its long leg numbered and graduated down to the 1/4", reading right to left, and a brazed-on replacement shorter leg. Since inch "13" was erroneously marked twice, a "4" was punched over the left-hand mark to correct it.
Label TextLarger, all iron squares were intended for larger woodworking projects like housebuilding, where a tool’s durability was important. Made by an American blacksmith in 1766, this square had its smaller leg broken and replaced, illustrating the misfortune which could befall a heavily used tool of the era.
MarkingsStruck with the date of manufacture "1766" on the back of the long leg, done with the same punches used to mark the inches on the front.