Bookbinder Finishing Tools:
Use:
All of the tools on this page are leather working tools used in the bookbinding trade. The decorative tools of the bookbinder differ from the saddler, in that most stamps are brass or bronze and have wooden handles. The decorative "Finishing" tools are typically heated with a torch then impressed on the leather surface as opposed to stamping with a mallet. Some impression tools are specific to the "Guilder" for adding gold leaf. Rolls are like embossing wheels, again brass or bronze and heated before use. A good description of these tools can be found in the R.A. Salaman reference, pages 5 and 6.
Toolmaker: Hoole
- Tools marked "HOOLE MACH. & ENG. WK'S Inc. BROOKLYN, N.Y.".
- The rolls are also marked "MADE IN U.S.A" and have four digit size codes "1940" and "2144".
- The smaller roll "2144" is 1-1/2 inch in diameter and made of brass or bronze.
- The larger roll "1940" is 3-1/2 inch in diameter and made of brass or bronze.
- All of these tools appear to have been heated during use.
- I have no other information about the manufature or vintage of these tools.
Toolmaker: Unknown
- Two brass or bronze "guilder" gold leaf tools. Small pieces of gold leaf can still be found in the faces.
- Unknown toolmaker or age of tools.
