Leather-tanning tongs

1775-1860

Measurements

44-3/4 in x 7-1/4 in x 1-1/8 in

Materials

Iron

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation

Accession Number

2026.73

Provenance

These tongs originally were assigned the accession number 1969.467 when they were acquired for the collection in 1969.  The new number was assigned when they were transferred from the Winterthur collection to Historic Odessa in 2026.

The tongs were purchased in 1969 from Florence (Mrs. Charles F.) Montgomery.

Comments

This specialized tool was used to grab and remove animal hides soaking in vats.  Made by a local blacksmith, the tool is essentially a pair of tongs, hinged near one end.  The two parts at that end are shaped as a jaw that could capture a hide without pinching it to the point of damaging or marring it.  The end with the hinged jaw also has a hook that allowed the user to capture a fold of the hide to draw it out of the vat.

One of the two pieces at the opposite end is curved, probably to allow the tool to be hung at a convenient place.  The other piece is straight.