Antique full size bentwood saddlers clam used by saddlers, harness makers and leatherworkers to hold leather securely during hand stitching. The long curved wooden jaws were controlled by pressure from the craftsman's knees, leaving both hands free for traditional saddle stitching.
Details
- Type: Saddlers clam or stitching clam
- Use: Hand stitching leather, saddlery and harness work
- Era: Likely late 1800s to early 1900s
- Material: Solid hardwood
- Construction: Long curved bentwood arms joined at a heavy lower block
- Jaws: Long tapered ends designed to grip leather
- Operation: Knee held design using leg pressure to close the jaws
- Measurements: Approximately 60 inches long and 28 inches at widest point based on provided notation
- Markings: No maker mark visible
- Finish: Reddish brown aged surface with pronounced wood grain and patina
- Maker: Unknown
Condition
Antique used condition with extensive age and working wear. Surface scratches, finish loss, darkening, old holes and marks throughout. Lower wooden block has significant cracking, splitting and localized wood loss. Jaws and arms show expected wear from prolonged use. See photos for complete condition.
Collector Appeal
Excellent example of an early leatherworking trade tool with a dramatic bentwood form. Strong crossover appeal for collectors of saddlery, equestrian, harness making, cobbler and primitive occupational tools.
Shipping and Delivery
We offer local, regional and national shipping and delivery. Smaller items will be shipped via UPS, Fedex, USPS. We are a white glove “in home” partner with Uship which allows us to ship larger pieces nationwide. Our partnership with Uship gives us access to the highest rated “LTL” (less-than-truckload) shipping companies from around the country. These are independent companies who wrap, transport and set up the furniture in your home. It can take a week to six weeks to get the items booked and delivered to your home. Generally, the time frame depends on where you live. Pieces going to a rural area in Kansas will take longer than pieces being shipped to major metros. Larger, heavier and multiple pieces that require at least two people to move can also affect the time frame. Local delivery areas include Sanford and the surrounding areas. Raleigh, Durham (Triangle Area), Fayetteville, Greensboro, Winston Salem (Triad Area). To see instant shipping and delivery quotes, add the item to the cart then select check out. Click the “Ship” option and fill in your address and the quote will populate. Please contact us with any questions.