hand forged gunsmithing screw plate and tap

[Dietle]

This farm-made screw plate and tap was found in a bucket of antique muzzle loader parts and tools on one of the farms associated with the Lepley gunsmiths of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.






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[rich pierce]

That is really cool. Not often do we see a blacksmith- made one like this.

[Shreckmeister]

I wonder if it was used to make lock and tang bolts.  Neat find.

[Hungry Horse]

 I see no cutting slot in the tap, and no reasonable amount of taper in the threads either, which would lead me to believe it’s not a tap at all. The “screw plate” would normally be secured in a vise to secure it solidly enough to form the threads. This “screw plate” has a finger ring that would not give enough support to cut threads. The parts are all very crudely made like some kind of temporary repair. I’m not sure just exactly what it is.

  Hungry Horse

[Ken G]

I'm afraid I agree with Hungry Horse.  I have seen several farm blacksmith made nuts made very similar with a tail so it could be hand tightened and loosened in the field. No washer needed either.   I've also seen them forged with a tail that looked like it was for hammering on and off rather than using a wrench. 

Having broke down in the field with a tractor or farm implement........it brilliant.  One hammer or rock fits all nuts.  LOL

Just my opinion,
Ken

[James Wilson Everett]

Guys,

Very often with 18th century taps there is no "cutting slot".  The threads are swaged, not cut, as with modern taps.  If the screw plate is hardened, as in a file will not cut it, then it is indeed a die or screw plate.  Also, in the period the screw plate is hand held and the screw blank or shank is the part held in the vise.  I believe that Dietle is correct in his description.

Here are some other 18th c taps, some have a small slot and some do not.  The slot collects the very fine "swarf" not really a "cutting slot" at all.



Here is another "smith made" screw plate, they come in all different configurations.



Jim

[Ken G]

Thanks Jim.  Makes sense and thanks for the information.

Ken

[Dennis Glazener]

Interesting info James, thanks for posting.
Dennis

[JTR]

Here's one I have that's similar to Jim's.

[Avlrc]

Awesome stuff there.  Thanks for sharing.