English-Style Colander Swage

Date1750-1820

MediumIron / steel

DimensionsOH: 12" OL: 11 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2012-34

DescriptionEnglish style colender swage, with a tall fence secured by a bolt and wingscrew.
Label TextCalled a "colander" swage for the vessel it was most often used to create, it has many clever tinsmithing applications, both decorative and structural.

The tool itself is a hinged pair of perfectly mated dies used to strike a three-part fillet, or fluting, into the tin. This is accomplished by drawing a sheet of metal through the jaws of the piece while simultaneously hammering on the top die. Its adjustable guard controls the alignment of the tin so that a continuous, straight fillet is struck into the piece.

In addition to being highly attractive, this fillet strengthens the tin, making the final product, be it a colander or a coffee pot, far more sturdy and durable.

While the form of the swage is distinctly English, it could have been made in America too.