Can women become tinsmiths

Generally, according to the history of tinsmithing, men become tinsmiths, but, women may become tinsmiths also, but, on the other hand, tinsmithing usually isn't a common interest in women, but don't let that stop you from becoming a tinsmith. You can read about the history of tinsmithing below.

The History of Tinsmithing

The tinsmith, or whitesmith, learned his trade by serving an apprenticeship of 4 to 6 years with a master tinsmith. He learned first to make cake stamps (cookie cutters), pill boxes and other simple items. Next, he formed objects such as milk pails, basins, cake and pie pans. Later he tackled more complicated pieces such as chandeliers and crooked-spout coffee pots. He then became a journeyman but not yet a master smith employing others. Many young tinsmiths took to the road as peddlers or tinkers in an effort to save enough money to open a shop in town.

Tinplate

Tinplate is made of sheet iron that has been dipped in molten tin and then run through rollers. This process was first discovered in the 16th century and then developed in the early 1700s . Pure tin is an expensive and soft metal and it is not practical to use it alone. Today's tinplate is mild steel electroplated with tin. Its non-rusting qualities make it an invaluable coating.

Tinsmithing Tools

The simple shapes made by the tinsmith, required only a few basic tools. In addition to the big shears anchored in a hole in his bench, he used hand snips and nippers for cutting. The tin was flattened on an anvil made of a block of steel and straight and curved anvils (stakes) were used to turn and roll the edges of the tin. Solder was used to join the pieces together and a soldering iron and fire pot were needed to do this.

Descriptions of functional tinware of the 1800s

Foot Warmer ca 1820

These interesting devices were made in two parts - the inner tin box which held the coals and the outer wooden frame which partly covered the container and allowed its handling - without blisters!

DONOR: Carl Morgan

Watchman's Lantern

Watchmen carried a variety of lanterns while patrolling the streets at night. The hand-lantern seen here is an unusually fine early example. The curved door has a heavy glass bull's eye with a tin slide to shut off the light (leaving the flame burning) by pushing the knob under the door.

DONOR: Hazen Price

Bee Smoker

This highly unusual bee smoker would have been a most useful tool for anyone wishing to collect honey in the 19th. and early 20th. centuries.

DONOR: Jack Winner.

Surveyor's Map Case

This unique map case was used by a surveyor in the field. It was sturdy and served double duty as a lap desk.

DONOR: Leonard Phillips

Curry Comb

This tool would singe the horse's tail while it was being groomed.

DONOR: Carl Morgan

Grease Lamps

Grease lamps came in many shapes and sizes. They were very common as grease was a form of fuel that was plentiful and required no extra labour to obtain it.

DONOR: Carl Morgan

Pierced Barn Lantern

Pierced lanterns were popular on the farm in the 1800s because of their low cost and safety in the barn. The absence of glass cut the cost and risk of fire if they were knocked over

Candle Mould

Until the last quarter of the 19th. century, candles were still being used in large quantities. Many were made at home using candle moulds similar to this one