Try Square
Datec.1776
OriginAmerica or England
MediumBoxwood, brass, and iron
DimensionsBlade: 6" x 1 13/16" Beam: 5 1/8" x 1 3/8" x 1"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1995-194
DescriptionTry square with brass blade and boxwood beam, held together by five brass pins. Blade bolstered in its slot by two iron nails or pins.Label TextAcquired by a Thomas Little in 1776, this try square was important enough for the craftsman to have his name and date engraved in it. With a fixed blade and no graduations, the purpose of this tool was to gauge a "square" right angle of 90 degrees when marking and laying out work.
InscribedEngraved with an owner's name "Thos. Little" in script and the date "1776."
MarkingsThe incomplete name "LANSDOWN" is struck once on the blade and three times on the beam.
ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of William H. Guthman.
1700-1800
ca. 1810
ca. 1796
1795-1805
1700-1800
1805-1815
ca. 1810
1760-1770
1775-1790
1790-1800
1760-1780