Historical information

A flooring clamp (or cramp) is used for holding tongue and groove floorboards in place whilst laying a new floor. The ratchet handle is used to apply horizontal pressure to hold boards firmly in place until they are secured.

“The General and Commercial Directory of the Borough of Birmingham, and six miles round; including Wolverhampton, Bilston, Walsall, West Bromwich” published in 1858 lists William Bissell as an ironmonger in Union Street, Wolverhampton.

In the catalogue for the 1862 London Exhibition, three items manufactured by William Bissell were listed, including:-
“BISSELL'S PATENT FLOORING CRAMP. The force of this cramp is fully equal to 1 ton. It is adapted to joists from 2 to 4 in. and is the most expeditious and easy in working of any cramp in use.”

In the 1864 edition of “Williams's Manufacturers' Directory, for London and Principal Market Towns in England”, page 445, in listings for Wolverhampton, W Bissell is listed as a Patentee of flooring cramps, lifting jacks and proprietor of mortise locks; mortising machines, bench and vertical saw-frames".
By 1871 the business was operating as Messrs. J. G. Bissell and Co. and the trademark on this item in our Collection was phased out.
This information assists in allocating the provenance of this item to the late 1860s.

Significance

This item is significant because it is representative of housing construction tools used in the Wodonga District which have evolved into present day tools.

Physical description

A cast iron clamp used to install tongue and groove floorboards.

Inscriptions & markings

Maker's mark on on side.
W. B. BISSELL
PATENTEE
WOLVERHAMPTON