Posted 9 years ago
hotairfan
(388 items)
An early splitting wedge. highly marked with slashes and punch marks. I was told that the markings were a kind of signature of the blacksmith who made it. I don't know if I believe that, it could be a way of helping to align the wedge in the log as it is splitting the wood. This square wedge has a hardwood plug that the logger strikes when using the tool. It also has a forged iron ring around the wooden insert to increase the life of the wooden plug. I know that there is a specific name for this type of wedge (with a wooden plug), but, for the life of me, I can't think of it. Anybody out there know? Anyway, it's a nice piece of pioneer homestead history.
Maybe also post in tools?
Man, hotairfan....I am jealous. In fact, I just saw one of these, the guy was asking a little too much. It did not have any decoration like yours. I remember reading somewhere that these were decorated for a certain reason. Do you have the Schiffer text: Antique Iron, English and American: 15th Century Through 1850? There is a very similar piece in the book, I will have to read the description again and get back to you.
You have some really really great items, always a pleasure to stop in and see what you have. Take care man!
It is a socket wedge. It is a wedge with a socketed handle. They turned out to be not very useful and gave way to solid steel wedges. Good item that you don't see much anymore.
Thank you for your comments BHock45
I went to a local PA German festival two days ago. It was very interesting and I tried to see and talk to most of the craftsmen who were displaying their talent in making items by hand using only hand tools. I was surprised to see a similar socketed tool, (what I thought was a wedge).
The men were making oak fence posts for a split rail fence. I asked how the wedge was used in fence making. They told me that it wasn't a wedge at all. It was a primitive chisel. they said wedges had no socket, just solid wrought iron.
They said if it had a socket, it was a chisel, soooo, I guess what I am showing you in this posting is a primitive chisel.... You live and learn.
I still think it's a wedge.