I recently picked up a pair of vintage lasting pliers from Geo Barnsley intending to do some shoemaking down the line.
As I collect and restore vintage tools as a part of the hobby, it takes a while to collect all the tools I need.
While I assemble the basic tools needed for lasting, is there any alternate uses that I can put these to in the meanwhile?
I know that lasting pliers are intended to hold a material without tearing it, leverage it, stretch it, pull it taught, hold it in place and hammer a nail in to secure it to the last.
I guess that they can be put to use when wetforming, and maybe while doing a bit of upholstery. Any thoughts or ideas here?
And is it possible to estimate an age on these? The hammer reads:
“A. [Shoe]; George Barnsley Warranted. Steel Hammer” while the upper plier simple reads: “2 [size?]; B”. Please refer to the attached photo.
Any input much appreciated.