Images(2)

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

Square Pan Swage

Date1824-1844

Maker Justus and William Bulkley

OriginAmerica, Connecticut, Berlin

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 17 1/2" OH: 11 1/16"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-64

DescriptionAmerican-style square pan swage with a short fence secured by a wingscrew. The reversible hammer has two blade-shaped ends, one broad and one narrow, and can be switched by removing the bold and wingnut at the pivot end of the swage.
Label TextCalled a square pan swage for the crease or groove it imparts into a piece of sheet metal, it has many clever applications, both decorative and structural. The tool itself is a hinged set of perfectly mated hammer dies used to strike one of two creases, one narrow and one broad. This is accomplished by drawing a sheet of metal through the jaws of the piece while simultaneously working the affixed hammer. Its adjustable guard controls the alignment of the metal so that a continuous, straight crease is imparted into the piece.
MarkingsMarked J. & W. BULKLEY BERLIN CT in two lines on the lower die above the tang.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.