Images(2)

Tin Tools 2014-62A&B; 2014-63; 2014-64; 2014-65; 2014-66; 2014-67; 2014-68;

Colander Swage

Date1838-1849

Maker Josiah Wilcox

OriginAmerica, New York, Port Chester

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 15" OH: 11 3/4"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-63

DescriptionAmerican-style colander swedge with a short fence secured by a wingscrew and a double hammer bearing one wide and one narrow three-bead fillet. The hammer is reversed by removing the bold and wingnut at the pivot end of the swage.
Label TextCalled a "colander" swage for the vessel it was most often used to create, it has many clever tin or coppersmithing applications, both decorative and structural.

The tool itself is a hinged pair of perfectly mated dies used to strike either a narrow or a broad three-bead fillet, or fluting, into a piece of sheet metal. This is accomplished by drawing the metal through the jaws of the piece while simultaneously working the hammer. Its adjustable guard controls the alignment of the sheet 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.

Markingsmarked J. Wilcox Porchester NY
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.