Pincers, Farrier's

Object number2005.127.8

Datec. 1930

OriginUnited States of America

MediumSteel

Credit LineGift of J. Dino DePaulo

DescriptionPincers used for pulling nails out of the soles of shoes during the shoerepair process. The pincers were particularly useful for work on women's high heeled shoes which contain a long nail running through the length of the heel. The pincers would be used to pull the nail out during the re-heeling process.Dimensions0.75 x 2 x 6 in. (1.9 x 5.1 x 15.2 cm)
MarksThe pincers contain a maker's mark reading "R.S.& W. Co. Made in USA."
Historical NotesGuy "Ton" DePaulo used this tool to repair shoes at his shop on Bessemer Avenue in East Pittsburgh. Born in Naples, Italy, DePaulo immigrated to the United States in 1920. After learning the trade from an uncle, DePaulo started his own shoe repair shop while also working at nearby Westinghouse in order to make ends meet. Ton's Shoe Shop was in existence for over seventy years, from the 1930s through 2005. It was more than a business. It was also an active social center of the neighborhood where people gathered to discuss politics, sports, and other news of the day.

Previous owner Guy DePaulo

Related institution Ton's Shoe Shop

Related institution Westinghouse

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