Images(2)

Pliers, Glass

Object number2014.48.7

Patented by Karl Voigt (born 1908)

Datec. 1937

MediumMetal/Paint

Credit LineGift of Norman Voigt

DescriptionOffset glass pliers. Made of dull silver-tone metal and painted black.Dimensions4.25 x 0.75 x 4.875 in. (10.8 x 1.9 x 12.4 cm)
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.

Related person Karl Voigt (born 1908)

Related institution United Plate Glass Company

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