Ancient Carpenters' Tools

By Henry C. Mercer

This classic reference describes in detail hundreds of implements in use in the American colonies in the 18th century. Many were largely unchanged in form since Roman times; others are identical in construction to ancient Greek, Assyrian, Egyptian and Chinese implements. Over 250 illustrations depict these rare specimens, among them tools for cutting down trees, splitting and sawing logs, log grabs, sleds, wagons, and lumber sticks for moving and measuring, clamps for holding and gripping, hand saws, chisels and mallets for shaping and fitting, instruments for sharpening tools, and much more. This fascinating, richly illustrated sourcebook, a reprint of the 1975 edition, will not only be invaluable to collectors but will also enable antiques enthusiasts and woodcrafters alike to identify a wide variety of woodworking tools that form a direct link to artisans and craftsmen of ancient times.

352 pages. 6-1/8 x 9-1/4. More than 250 B&W photos. Soft cover. $19.95. (1975)
ISBN 486409589