Contributed by Davistown Museum
Description
The owner's signature (Whelpley) is in a more modern (ca. 1870) style. Several other Whelpley signed tools
accompanied this one in a Wells, Maine, tool chest, including a Steer's patented plane and several interesting
calipers. This socket chisel is clearly stamped with a prominent English edge toolmaker's hallmark, accompanied by numerous touchmarks, including one indicating Ward was licensed by the crown to produce tools, possibly for export. At the same time that this English woodworking tool was being exported to the United States, numerous American foundries were gearing up their production of high quality edge tools, also utilizing imported English cast steel. Who was Mr. Whelpley and what did he make with his tools?
Size: 15 1/4" long including 5" long handle, 7/8" wide.
Marked: "J. L. WHELPLEY" "BOSTON, MASS." "WARD CAST STEEL" and various touchmarks and cartouches.
About This Item
- Title: Socket chisel, ca. 1830
- Creator: Ward
- Creation Date: circa 1830
- Subject Date: circa 1830
- Location: Wells, York County, ME
- Media: Cast steel, brass ferrule
- Local Code: 102904T12
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Davistown MuseumPO Box 346, 58 Main Street #4, Liberty, ME 04949
(207) 288-5126
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