18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra

18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra-photo-2

18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra-photo-3

18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra-photo-4

18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra-photo-1

18th-century Bench Tool: Jeweller’s Or Watchmaker’s “third Hand”, Gunsmith-quality Iron And Bra

Artist: Art Populaire

A fine craftsman’s tool, this so-called “third hand” was designed to be secured to a workbench. It enabled a jeweller or watchmaker to hold a small, delicate workpiece in the bird’s beak, which acts as a spring-loaded clamp mounted on a pivot, leaving both hands free for precise work.

More specialised versions of this type of “third hand” were also used by seamstresses.

Our example is hand-forged in polished steel. The clamping screw is fitted with an elegant key featuring a turned base with beaded decoration. The column supporting the bird incorporates turned brass elements and a central collar. The bird, cast in bronze or brass in two parts, is fitted with a powerful spring.

Both functional and particularly elegant, the piece displays fine ironwork and craftsmanship.

Probably Louis XVI period, 18th century.
Dimensions: 22 × 10 × 2 cm
Weight: approx. 300 g

Very fine condition, with no notableflawss.

eclectic — We are not experts, but we have been in the business for over 50 years. Hassle-free refund if you’re disappointed. SIRET: FR 24 430113233. Invoice and certificate included with every shipment

275 €