Images(2)

Froe

Date1750-1850

OriginAmerica

MediumSteel, iron, and wood

DimensionsOverall: 18 7/16 × 10 9/16 × 2 3/16 in (46.8 × 26.9 × 5.5cm)
Head: 10 1/2" x 2 1/8"

Credit LineBequest of Stephen C. Wolcott

Object number1936-176 (W)

DescriptionTypical straight-bladed froe with a round eye and a thickened spine which slopes down to meet the sharpened edge. Mounted on an old wooden haft, now missing its wedge.Label TextWith a sharp edge at its bottom and a handle sticking straight up, the froe was used to split usable slices of wood from a larger piece. Driving it with blows from a mallet or hammer gave the user great control, making the froe the ideal tool to split lath, shingles or clapboards. Its handle was used as a lever to twist the blade and quicken the splitting process.ProvenanceFrom the collection of Stephen C. Wolcott (1876-1934) of Gloucester, Virginia.