Historical information

An Awl is used to make indentations in wood or other materials in order to ease the insertion of a nail or screw. The blade is placed across the fibers of the wood, cutting them when pressure is applied. The Awl is then twisted through 90 degrees which displaces the fibers creating a hole. This then gives a start to the nail or screw being inserted into the work piece. There is a difference between an Awl and a Bradawl, the Awl is a small hand-held tool with a sharpened point and a Bradawl is similar but is flattened at its tip to produce a sharp chisel edge.

Significance

An everyday tool used in carpentry, the subject item at this time cannot be associated with an historical event, person or place, provenance is unknown, item assessed as believed to have been produced during the 20th century.

Physical description

Awl with wooden handle with brass ferrule & steel pointed shaft

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped on handle J McArthur (owner)