Can you identify these hand tools?

Can anyone tell me what these hand tools are used for?

I'm not certain but I think my Grandad had something like these in his shoe repair-box. Long time ago, when people used to repair their own shoes - of course that might not be what they were actually inteded for!

Regards,

IanT

I have a couple of those, too

Ian is correct, it’s a cobbler’s tool … but it surprised me to find it’s called a ‘Glazing Iron’

**LINK**

https://vintagetoolshop.com/collections/leather-working-tools?page=2

MichaelG.

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Edit: __ Just found this:

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/87294-whats-this-tool-used-for/

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 22/12/2021 22:37:59

The one at the bottom is quite common and is used for measuring lengths or as an aid to drawing a straight line; often referred to as a ruler.

It seems a common brand, James, I have one, too.

Or if you wish to be pedantic a rule.

Glazing Iron or Glass Hammer?

;0)

Happy Christmas

Edited By Martin Kyte on 23/12/2021 08:28:07

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Is this just more ‘seasonal silliness’ ?

… or didn’t you see the post by Matt S in the thread that I linked ?

… or the set of photos which followed it ?

MichaelG.

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[quote] Current production: https://www.georgebarnsleyandsons.co.uk/product-page/glazing-iron

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 23/12/2021 09:13:51

My Dad used to re-sole his boots. He used a tool like the ones shown. It was heated and use to apply blacking (wax?) to the edges of the new soles and heels.

On a lighthearted note, working in a country ironmongers in the 50's, we often got new apprentices coming into the shop asking for the like of glass hammers, long rests, post holes, sparks for grinders and others items I have fogotten over the years!

Don't forget the four candles (No , 'andles for forks)

Hi All,

Cobblers glazing irons are very common with George Barnsley among the best makes from UK

Some of the French made ones are very collectable and come in a variety of slightly differing numbered profiles.

Used hot as always evidenced by the charred handles; these used to sit on a circular cast iron stand with scalloped edge to hold the tools in or near a flame ready for use.

They do actually "glaze" the welt edges when used correctly.

The holders are seriously rare as nearly always smashed being of very thin section cast iron.

On the silly note: on film sets the new runners were often sent to get a "long weight" or " sky hooks" by the riggers!

Have a great Xmas everyone! Martin

It's not just engineering apprentices. My pharmacist wife once had to deal with a student nurse requesting a packet of fallopian tubes.

Hi All

Thank you Michael G for the link to the leatherworking website, very informative. Also Anthony for the explanation of why it is used for 'glazing' with hot wax.

Many thanks to Jams for his in depth analysis of the mystery white object in the photo. I have quite a number of these strange numbered sticks around the house but has so far found then useless for cutting or the insertion or removal of fixtures. I presume the two different scales are to accommodate the miserly and the generous, but I do take issue with the suggestion that they are for drawing straight lines see below

Not forgetting striped or tartan paint.

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Interesting, and potentially misleading, ‘calibration’ on that ^^^

I am assuming that the distance between any two numbered graduations is actually one, not a half

MichaelG.

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Edit: __ Compare: https://www.graticulesoptics.com/products/stage-micrometers-calibration-scales-grids/stage-micrometers-s-series/s8-stage-micrometer-1mm001mm

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 23/12/2021 10:33:55

To be honest Michael no I didn't mainly because I beleived you to be correct in calling it a Glazing Iron. My old woodworking teacher used to call Glazing Irons Glass Hammers which came to mind when making the point about 'Ruler' or "rule". A rose by any other name should smell so sweet etc.

regards Martin

Boot Glazing Iron Circa 1957 National Service, used for bulling up best boots.

Michael.

Hence "spit and polish"

Yes that was the term, Ha memories.

Michael.

Years ago, I removed the handle from one and mounted it. gets used as a mini anvil. Old fashioned flat irons, mounted upside down also make good small anvils.