Images(2)

Tin Tools 2015-138; 2013-56; 2014-70 through 2014-81

Setting-Down Machine

Date1840-1860

OriginAmerica

MediumIron, steel, brass, and wood

DimensionsOA: 9" OW: 14"

Credit LineGift of Stephen Eisenhart

Object number2014-81

DescriptionHand-operated machine with two geared disk-shaped dies set at 90 degrees to each other and a spring-loaded and adjustable axel on the crank. Round, knurled provision on the bottom of the frame for mounting in a cast iron stand.
Label TextAt the beginning of the nineteenth century, Eli Parsons and Calvin Whiting received the first American patents for their machines invented to perform some of the functions of the tinsmith. By 1810, the duo had contracted with Seth Peck of Stonington, CT, who manufactured and continually improved the machines, and ultimately purchased Parsons and Whiting's patents. Peck became very successful, and his machines were sold all over the United States. It is believed that by the mid-1830s, most American tinsmiths were using Peck's products, although this later example is unmarked.

Called a "setting-down machine," this handy device was used to firmly set down the folded edge of a piece of tin.
ProvenanceFrom the Eisenhart collection of tinsmithing tools.