Graining board (tanning tool)

1775-1875

Measurements

8-3/4 in x 6-3/8 in x 1 in

Materials

Walnut, leather strap, brass tacks

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of Hagley Museum and Library

Accession Number

2026.74

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

The gently arced or curved graining board was used to soften animal leathers by working oils into the incompletely treated hides as part of the tanning process.  A leather strap anchored to each side by three brass-headed tacks allowed the user to guide the tool easily while adjusting pressure and tilt. Parallel grooves cut into the working surface probably helped retain the oil so that it could be pressed into the leather to make it more supple.