Needle Case Stake

Date1750-1820

MediumIron / steel

DimensionsOH: 8 1/2" OL: 18 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2012-33

DescriptionNeedle case stake. One flange is flat-topped with two square edges and a skewed tip. Round-sectioned, long tapering "beak" with a square end. Squared post with chamfered corners.
Label TextThis tiny stake is a miniature version of a long-nosed beak horn stake like 2012-28. As with many of the other tinsmithing tools in the McMillen collection, this stake got its name from its primary use, in the manufacture of small-diameter tubular "needle" cases. It could be used for countless other small tinsmithing tasks, or some fine detail work too.