Mining & Quarrying

Stonemason's chisel (8)

Description:

Chisel used by a stonemason. It has a small squared blade that tapers out to a long thin shaft. Corners are chamferred. The end of the chisel is rounded to withstand impact when struck with a mallet.  The mason's mark is on the side comprising a possible "W" beside an arrow.

 

Stone was worked using a range of tools including saws and chisels.  Stone mason's tools have changed very little over the centuries.  Finer shaping and detail was worked by striking chisels like this with a large wooden mallet.

 

Materials/Media:

metal & iron alloy

Dimensions:

length (whole) 178mm, width (blade) 17mm, width (shaft) 20mm

Source:

Dumfries Museum & Camera Obscura

Accession number:

DUMFM:0206.47

Digital Number:

DMTL007n

Copyright:

Dumfries & Galloway Council