Images(3)

Rasp, Shoemaker's

Object number2007.39.4

Date1875-1899

MediumWood; metal

Credit LineGift of the descendants of Michael Schmidt

DescriptionShoemaker's rasp tool. Long metal square rod, flattens and widens at bottom to a curved rectangular file; bottom of file contains multiple raised, fairly sharp nodules. Brown wooden handle; two incised lines in middle around handle.Dimensions1.125 in. (2.9 cm)
Historical NotesRasp was used by Michael Schmidt, a cobbler who owned a shoe shop in Mt. Oliver. Because he was a cobbler in both Austria and Pittsburgh, the origin of these tools is unknown. Born on November 2, 1848 in Austria, Michael Schmidt moved to America with his family in 1883. They first lived in Bloomfield, where he walked across a railroad bridge to a shoe factory in Mt. Oliver. After nearly being killed by a train, Michael and his family moved to Mt. Oliver, where he opened his own store on the corner of Amanda Avenue and Charles Street. The Schmidt Store remained in business until Michael's death in 1904.

Previous owner Michael Schmidt (1848 - 1904)

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