Bench Shears

Date1810-1830

Maker Thomas Matkin

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOL: 25 1/2" Length of cutting edges: 6"

Credit LineGift of Judith and William McMillen

Object number2015-152

DescriptionBench shears with elongated, rounded jaws.
Label TextWhile the tinsmith would use a scissors-like hand shear to cut small pieces of tin, for larger cuts he would turn to the bench shears. Based on the same principal as the smaller, hand-held version, this shear was mounted on a work bench or stump, and allowed the operator to put much more force into the cut, while offering good control.

The lower handle has a downward-pointing tang which fits into a hole in the workbench or stump. A similar projection at the end of the top handle acted as a stop, bearing on the lower one and preventing the used from crushing his knuckles.
MarkingsThree-line mark of "G R" separated by a crown over "MATKIN" over "SHEFFIELD" struck into the outer edge of both jaws.