Images(2)

Plumb Square

Date1800-1850

MediumOak (est.), lead, and string

DimensionsOverall: 24 × 23 1/16 × 1 1/4 in (60.9 × 58.5 × 3.1cm)
Long leg: 24" x 2 5/8" x 1/2" Short leg: 22 7/8" x 2 1/4" x 3/4" Bob diam: 1 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1991-608

DescriptionAn early plumb square with uneven legs connected by a decoratively shaped brace, attached with pegged mortice and tenon joints. The shorter leg ends in an ogee, while the longer leg ends in a tombstone shape. The latter is cut with three notches which secure a string suspending an egg-shaped bob.Label TextAlmost certainly made by the carpenter who used it, the right angle of this plain but elegant tool was used to square up things like building frames. It’s plumb bob and string would further guide the project by showing what was truly vertical.Mark(s)Marked "A.DACOMB" four times.