Images(2)

Try Square

Datec.1776

OriginAmerica or England

MediumBoxwood, brass, and iron

DimensionsOverall: 6 × 5 3/16 × 1 in (15.25 × 13.1 × 2.6cm)
Blade: 6" x 1 13/16" Beam: 5 1/8" x 1 3/8" x 1"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1995-194

DescriptionTry square with brass blade and boxwood beam, held together by five brass pins. Blade bolstered in its slot by two iron nails or pins.Label TextAcquired by a Thomas Little in 1776, this try square was important enough for the craftsman to have his name and date engraved in it. With a fixed blade and no graduations, the purpose of this tool was to gauge a "square" right angle of 90 degrees when marking and laying out work.Inscription(s)Engraved with an owner's name "Thos. Little" in script and the date "1776."Mark(s)The incomplete name "LANSDOWN" is struck once on the blade and three times on the beam.ProvenanceFormerly in the collection of William H. Guthman.