Jump to content
weepingdragon

Stitching/saddlers clam origins?

Recommended Posts

Hello,

Does anyone know the origin or know of any old documentation that discusses stitching/saddlers clams/clamps? I was under the impression when I purchased mine 35 years ago that they were a late 16th/early 17th invention. Doing the "Goog" , it says that they have been in use in Europe "for centuries", but don't define "centuries".

 

Thanks for any input

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've certainly seen illustrations dating from the 13th century depicting leather workers and shoe makers using clams, both attached to a bench and between the workers knees. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All my books are packed away until late spring/summer time. Check out some of the 14th century Books of Hours and Psalters

There is a Leatherwork museum in the Midlands of England. Have you contacted them?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'll contact them and see what they have for info, thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I contacted the Leatherwork Museum and all of their sources are from early late 18th/19th century.

 

Thanks again

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

There’s a few stained glass windows in France that show cordwainers using their knees instead of clams in the 13th century, and the Mendel Hausbuch from Germany in I think the 14th doesn’t show them either. So I’d guess sometime after that, perhaps as larger and more complicated work is being done. Though I need to dig out the images, so don’t quote me on that.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...