Images(2)

Tin Tools 2014-49; 2014-55; 2014-56; 2014-57; 2014-58; 2014-59; 2014-60; 2014-61; 2014-69; 2014 ...

Round Head Stake

Date1750-1830

OriginAmerica or England

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 15 1/2" Diameter of head: 3 1/8"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-58

DescriptionRound head stake with tapering post of square section, heavily chamfered corners, and flared at the top to form a "mushroom" or "doorknob" shaped head.
Label TextAlso known as a "mushroom" stake, these general-purpose tools were highly useful to all sorts of sheet metal workers during the colonial period. When ready for use, the domed steel head of this stake would have been perfectly smooth and polished brightly so that any metal hammered against it would not have been marred.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.