Stitch Channeling Tools:
Use:
The stitch-channeling tool cuts a slit into the surface of leather to be hand stitched together so the stitching may be hidden below the surface of the leather. This is done to reduce the surface wear on the stitching and hide uneven stitches in thick layers of leather. They are used for hiding stitches when making round reins or handles. They have also been used on the back of thick layers of leather on the cantle of a saddle to hide uneven stitching. Groove or scratch compasses would be used where the stitches are not to be hidden.
Toolmaker: Henry G. Gomph & Co.
- A clearly marked "GOMPH" vertical stitch channeling tool. The blade can be adjusted to cut different depth slits. An adjustable fence on the side keeps the slit a constant distance from the edge of the leather.
- Reprint of "Henry G. Gomph & Co. Fine Harness Tools" catalogue lists this tool as a No. 033 Straight Channeler.
- I have also seen variations of this type of tool pictured in C.S. Osborne & Co. catalogues and in both Farnham references made by many other toolmakers.
- This tool was purchased as a part of a saddle and harness makers tool chest, said to belong to the Sawyer Brothers of Liberty, PA between 1905-1923.
Toolmaker: Henry G. Gomph Co.
Inventor: George W. Pruyne
- Clearly marked "GOMPH PAT. MAY 5 68" constant angle stitch channeling tool. The blade can be adjusted to cut different depth slits. The angle of cut is about 30 degrees from horizontal.
- I have researched the patent date May 5, 1868 and found United States Patent Number 77653, and the patent holder to be George W. Pruyne of Mexico, New York.
- This tool was purchased as a part of a saddle and harness makers tool chest, said to belong to the Sawyer Brothers of Liberty, PA between 1905-1923.
- Reprint of "Henry G. Gomph & Co. Fine Harness Tools" catalogue lists this tool as a No. 034 Patent Edge Channeler.
- An 1891 H.F. Osborne catalogue, lists this tool as a "516 -- Edge Channelers".
- I have also seen this tool pictured in a C.S. Osborne & Co. catalogue, listed as a, No. 208. Edge Channelers, Rosewood Handles.
- I also have a version of this tool that has only the patent date and does not have a maker identification.
Toolmaker: M.E. Hall
Inventor: M.E. Hall
- A faintly marked "M.E. HALL PAT ??? 1869" variable angle stitch-channeling tool.
- I have searched and found U.S. Patent Number 95470, Dated October 5, 1869, and the patent holder to be M.E. Hall of Spring, Pennsylvania.
- The blade of this tool was missing when I acquired the tool. The thumbscrew on the body of the tool sets the angle of the cut. The thumbscrew on the blade holder allows the depth of the cut to be adjusted.
- I have also seen this tool pictured in C.S. Osborne & Co. catalogues.
Toolmaker: C. S. Osborne & Co.
- A clearly marked "C.S. OSBORNE & CO." vertical stitch-channeling tool.
- A late 1880's vintage C.S. Osborne catalogue lists this tool as a, No. 31. Channeler's, Rosewood Handles.
Toolmaker: C. S. Osborne & Co.
Inventor: George W. Pruyne
- Clearly marked "C.S.OSBORNE 7 CO. NEWARK, N.J." constant angle stitch channeling tool. The blade can be adjusted to cut different depth slits. The angle of cut is about 30 degrees from horizontal.
- A late 1880's vintage C.S. Osborne catalogue lists this tool as a, No. 208. Edge Channelers, Rosewood Handles.
- See additional comments, listed with the Gomph version of the tool above.
Toolmaker: H. F. Osborne Co., "Osborne Patent Tools"
- A clearly marked "H. F. OSBORNE", "PAT.APL.1.1873" stitch-channeling tool.
- U.S. Patent Number 137404, Dated April 1, 1873, "Improvment in Channeling and Edging Tools", by Louis Bauer, of San Francisco, CA.
- A 1891 H.F. Osborne catalogue, lists this tool as an "515 -- Channlers, Eureka Patent".
- The catalogue also describes this tool as follows: The "Eureka" Channeler can be set to channel at any required width or depth, and to any bevel. It will take off the edge of the leather at the same time.
Toolmaker: H. F. Osborne Co., "Osborne Patent Tools"
- A clearly marked "H F OSBORNE" fixed angle stitch-channeling tool.
- A 1891 H.F. Osborne catalogue, lists this tool as a "517 -- Channlers, Gilt Edge"
- The thumb screw to adjust the position of the fence is missing.
