Tools and Equipment

Colonial Williamsburg's collection of early mechanical arts contains a diverse array of materials, including tools, machinery, kitchen equipment, arms, military accouterments, scientific and medical instruments, and clocks and watches. The Foundation maintains a large study collection of the tool forms used by eighteenth century tradesmen. It comprises a substantial array of planes, chisels, measuring devices, and hafted construction tools, and almost every other implement needed by early British and American wood workers. Also present are tools used by specialized metal and leather workers, tools and machines used in textile production, and the common implements used by early householders. Colonial Williamsburg's collection of kitchen equipment ranges from items employed by the poorest members of society to those utilized in feeding the wealthiest. Simple treen bowls and complex mechanical spit jacks appear together with a full spectrum of wrought iron, copper and tin hollow wares, and cast metal wares.