A black metal band encircles this red velvet pincushion decorated with a black button at the top. Four straight pins with black heads are attached through the band. The small stuffed cushion is used in sewing to rigidly hold pins or needles.
A long, slender cylinder tapers at the bottom of this vaccum machine with a nozzle connected at the end that contacts the floor. A red plunger handle is located at the top of the cleaner and another handle stabilizes the machine. The body of the...
Composed of two rectangular blocks of wood, this press has a leather strap linking them. One of the blocks has a hinged section. The rolled strap has a white decorative border and a metal wing-nut to tighten it. Two paper labels are attached with...
Constructed from two long parallel hinged handles that curve into opposing semi-circles near the ends, these tongs were used to handle hot wood and coals in a fireplace or fire.
The cast iron grinder has a crank handle and four legs that are designed to allow the tool to be bolted to a work surface. The machine has a hinged lid and an interior roller that corresponds to the shape of the lid. Meat or grains could be...
The cast iron grinder has a crank handle and four legs that are designed to allow the tool to be bolted to a work surface. The machine has a hinged lid enscribed with the number 11. Inside the cylindrical shaped grinder are two removable rollers...
The inscription on these metal lasting pliers is "2- warranted steel Har..." The pliers have ridged teeth on the gripping surfaces, and were used in leather working.
The sadiron is a forged, pointed block of iron with a flat bottom and a thick handle. Used for pressing and ironing fabric, it was the precursor to the electric steam iron. The iron was heated over an open fire or other heat source.
The silver shoe hook has a decorative scroll and leaf design on one side and is inscribed "Sterling Pat. Oct. 94." on the other. The tool ends in a narrow hook used to lace shoestrings.
The wooden frame for a wool or yarn winder is designed with two notches to hold the spokes and crank or handle of the hand operated machine. With completed parts, this tool was used to wind threads of yarn into skeins.
The wooden shuttle is comprised of two long pieces of wood that are tapered at each end. They are connected by dowels so they remain approximately two inches apart. The shuttle was used to hold yarn or rag strips for rug weaving.
This black metal sewing machine is mounted on a dark brown wooden table with two small drawers on the lower left hand side. Black metal legs support the table, and the machine includes a black metal foot pedal.
This black paper cutter is made of steel with yellow and red floral designs and narrow stripes. The piece is worn, and has a wooden handle trimmed with a silver band.
This elaborate example of a lard press includes a long board mounted on four legs, and an extension with a notch in the top that supports a handle that pivots on a peg. A plunger device is mounted on the handle, and when depressed it is inserted...
This flat metal implement in the shape of a rectangle has 53 parallel openings along its length. A separate metal piece accompanies the tool to push fabric through the openings to form pleats. An attached label includes instructions for use and...
This flax break is a handmade wooden device used to chop flax straw. It is used in processing the hair-like fibers of the flax plant into linen thread.
This is a four sided paddle razor strop that was used to sharpen straight edge razors. With a turned handle, it is made of wood wrapped with leather covering two sides.
