Fleshing or beaming knife (tanning tool)

1775-1850

Measurements

31 in x 4 in x 1-1/2 in (dia)

Materials

Iron, walnut handles

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hagley Museum and Library

Accession Number

2026.75

Condition Notes

The iron blade is pitted.

Provenance

Hagley purchased a group of five objects (accession nos. 2026.74-.78) from antiques dealer Miner J. Cooper of Windsor, New York, in 1957.

Comments

Fleshing knives were used to scrape fat and flesh from an animal pelt intended to be tanned.  The wrought iron blade has a broad, flat blade sharpened on the outer curve and left dull on the inner side.  The knife was used in conjunction with a suitably curved or arched board or beam over which the pelt was laid.

This knife has rectangular tangs (i.e., extensions) at each end over which the rounded handle slide. The end of the tang clinches over to hold the wood handle firmly in place.