This product is a superb early American antique 14 3/8" rosewood and brass joiner's try square with a decorative brass inlay. It is a vintage collectable piece originating from the United States; it is marked Philadelphia. The maker is not readable, seems to say Son Makers". Google seems to linking itdirectly to the historic workshop of W. & C. Johnson The presence of the elaborate brass Gothic Cross (or 'Holy Cross') plate embedded on this stock confirms this transatlantic lineage. The Johnson workshop stamped their corporate mark over these premiumimports prior to domestic commercial distribution circa 1830-1850. It is marked in 4 places with the original owner's name, B.K. Knowles, specifically designed for carpentry and woodworking purposes. The try square's unique design and craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any collection of tools or vintage artifacts.
ARTIFACT PROVENANCE & REGIONAL REGISTRIESCross-referencing archival A. McElroy Philadelphia City Directories from the 1830s through the 1840s revealstwo highly probable primary owners corresponding to the custom 'J. KNOWLES' stamp strike:• John Knowles (Master Carpenter): Documented in the 1840 census registry residing on 11th Street nearSpring Garden. A house carpenter of this era required oversized layout tools for framing heavy floorassemblies and roof timbers.• James Knowles (Shipwright): Registered throughout the late 1830s operating along the Delaware RiverWharves (Kensington/Southwark). Massive try squares were vital tools for squaring heavy oak ship knees,framing hulls, and checking ship timbers.
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