Double Seaming Stake

Date1750-1820

MediumIron / steel

DimensionsOH: 13" OL: 20"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2012-31

DescriptionDouble seaming stake, crudely wrought. Rectangular sectioned post with chamfered corners.
Label TextSet into a square hole in either a workbench or a tree stump, this stake was used for a few very specific purposes. Known as a "seaming" or "bottoming" stake, it was indispensable for upsetting or burring (bending up) the edge of the tin bottom of a vessel. With the bottom fitted to the body, the piece was placed on the stake in order to beat down the seam between the two components, in preparation for soldering.

Each of the working ends has different arcs to their working surfaces, allowing the stake to be used for a variety of different sized vessels. Its top exhibits a prominent fold, and the forged joint of the stake's components is plainly visible.