Historical information

Leather thicknessers like this were commonly used in leatherworking and saddlery to ensure uniform thickness in leather pieces before making belts, harnesses, saddles, or other leather goods. This design suggests it was hand-operated, requiring the user to feed leather through the adjustable gap while controlling the pressure with the lever. These tools were essential in workshops and tanneries, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, before the advent of more mechanized skiving machines.
From HODGES Saddlery, Natimuk.

Physical description

This is a vintage manually-operated leather thicknesser, used for skiving or adjusting the thickness of leather pieces. The tool consists of a wooden base with four mounting holes, likely for securing it to a workbench. A horizontal metal bar runs across the top, supported by two vertical posts, and is adjustable via two round-headed screws. The tool also features a curved lever handle on one side, which is used to adjust or apply pressure to the leather being processed. The metal components show signs of oxidation and rust, while the wooden base has a well-worn appearance, suggesting extensive use.