Saddler’s clam (stitching clamp)

A saddler’s clam is a clamp that holds leather during hand stitching. It leaves both hands free for sewing and is associated with historic saddlery and shoemaking workshops.

Construction and use

Traditional examples have two long, shaped wooden sides meeting in jaws at the top. The worker can hold the clam between the legs with leather secured in its grip. Distinguish it from small hand pincers: the clam supports the work during stitching rather than acting as a pulling tool. Modern versions also exist, including laminated wooden examples.

Examining older examples

Check jaw alignment, cracks, wear, repairs and replacement bolts. Record maker’s marks without borrowing another museum object’s attribution. Curved wood alone proves neither age nor Norwegian origin. Retain workshop and ownership history; such evidence may be more informative than a general antique description.

Sources: Collections WA, Shire of Toodyay: Saddler’s clamps; Abbey England: funksjon og moderne konstruksjon.