A recent purchase from a Fine Tool Journal auction brought home this very interesting pair of wooden wing dividers.
They are most likely European and, I would argue, many hundreds of years old. They would seem to predate the 1700's, so I'm guessing 1600's or quite possibly earlier. A primitive tool of that time would be very difficult to date. They are 18.5 inches in height.
Here are some closer shots of the dividers.
The hinge has three leaves with a wooden pin. The tool shows extensive decorative elements which I suspect could be a hint as to its origin. There are traces of black paint and inactive "worm" holes visible in several areas. I'm unsure of the wood type, but it is not oak.
The wing is iron with a wooden pin holding it to the left hand leg. There is currently no means of locking the wing in place, but there is space for a wedge where the wing passes through the right hand leg.
The wrought iron pins at the bottoms of the legs show evidence of the blacksmith's hammer. They are held in place by iron ferrules.
Excuse my wishful thinking, but might this guy even be of medieval origin??
Any thoughts or insights greatly appreciated.
