Images(3)

Stamp, Metal

Object number2014.48.4

Manufacturer M.E. Cunningham Company

Datepost 1937

OriginPittsburgh, PA

MediumMetal

Credit LineGift of Norman Voigt

DescriptionRectangular metal stamp used to stamp patent number.Dimensions1 x 0.375 x 3.5 in. (2.5 x 1 x 8.9 cm)
MarksEnd has raised text in reverse used for stamping metal "PAT. NO. 2082669".

One side has inscribed text "PAT. NO. 2082669/ 1 / 16 / J / MECCO / SAFETY / M.E. / CUNNINGHAM / CO. / PGH. PA." The "J" is inscribed in a D-shape.
Historical NotesThe donor Norman Voigt's father Karl Voigt (b. 1908) worked for the United Plate Glass Company in the North Side as a union glazer for 45 years starting in the late 1920s. He found that it was difficult to install large commercial windows using the traditional tools for window installation and so he invented the offset glass pliers. After obtaining a patent for his invention he sold around 500 to 1,000 a year and made them in his home. There was no competition because it was a low volume object; they are still sold today. The original offset pliers were cast iron, but the later ones were cast in aluminum. The stamps were used to mark his product. The stamp's use is seen in offset glass plier 2014.48.5.

Previous owner Karl Voigt (born 1908)

Related institution United Plate Glass Company

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