Images(2)

Tin Tools: 2014-48; 2014-50; 2014-51; 2014-52; 2014-54; 2014-53

Mandrel Stake

Date1780-1880

OriginAmerica

MediumMaple

DimensionsOL: 19 7/8" OH: 9" Diameter of ends: 2 7/8" and 1 13/8"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-54

DescriptionTinsmith's mandrel stake with one stubby cylindrical end and one longer, narrower cylindrical end. Its squared, tapering post is chamfered and held into the body of the stake by friction.
Label TextWooden tin-working tools like this stake were used to "true up" hollow cylindrical forms like cans, mugs and map cases. Additionally, they could be used as a supporting surface on which to solder the seam on these tin forms. Since these wore out much more quickly than steel and iron stakes, early examples rarely survive today.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.