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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
From the collection of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
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Tool - Marking Gauge

  • Wooden gauge with a slot in each end of the shank. The block has a wedge to hold it in position.

    Marking gauge, from block to end of shank, from above

  • Inscription of the letters "W.S." is carved into one side of the block

    Close-up of the block, one side with inscription

  • Section of two wedges can be seen. These hold the block onto the shank.

    Gauge on bench viewed from above

  • Wooden gauge with a slot in each end of the shank. The block has a wedge to hold it in position.
  • Inscription of the letters "W.S." is carved into one side of the block
  • Section of two wedges can be seen. These hold the block onto the shank.

Historical information

This marking gauge has a round head. It is a hand-powered tool and is used to measure and mark a scribed line onto the surface of the wood for the purpose of cutting or aligning. It would have been used by a tradesperson such as a cabinet maker, wood worker or carpenter. The hand tool shows signs of much use. It appears to be appreciated as a tool due to the initials carved into the side of the block.

Significance

The marking gauge is an example of a hand powered woodworking tool used over the past few centuries

Physical description

Marking gauge: wooden staff with half-round block secured by a wedge. there is a metal marker on one end. Inscription "WS" crudely engraved in end of block.

Inscriptions & markings

Carved "W.S."

Subjects

References

  • uWoodcraft Types of marking gauges and their uses
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