Historical information

These leather forming dyes were used in traditional leathercraft to shape leather into rounded or contoured forms. Common applications include the forming of pouches, holsters, watch straps, belts, and decorative motifs. Wet leather would be pressed over or into the dies using the domed tools, creating consistent shapes for repeat production or fine detailing. This type of toolset was especially useful in saddlery, harness-making, and artisanal leather goods manufacturing, and may date from the early to mid-20th century. The craftsmanship and material suggest they were intended for long-term use in a workshop setting.
Used for three generations back in WEBB family. Colin WEBB from Grass Flat's Great Grandfather's. Used for making flowers and decorate leatherwork.

Physical description

A set of four cylindrical leather forming dies accompanied by five domed shaping tools. The dies are robust, upright forms with flared openings at the top and rounded bases, crafted to receive and shape wet leather into concave or domed forms. The accompanying tools are smooth, tapered rods ending in spherical or bulbous tips of varying sizes, designed for pressing and shaping the leather from the inside or outside of the die.
The tools and dies are made of the same dark, polished material—most likely wood or hard resin—showing signs of long-term use such as surface wear and patina.