Cast Steel Chisels

[Warren Mickley]

I looked up the cost of cast steel chisels in the Seaton Chest book. Joseph Seaton, a prosperous cabinetmaker in England bought a set of tools for his son Benjamin, who was to join him in the trade. The year was 1796. Most of the tools and the original inventory with prices are still in the chest. Here are some chisel prices:

16 cast steel chisels: 6 shillings, 10 pence
18 firmer chisels: 5 shillings, 8 pence
8 mortise chisels: 7 shillings, 6 pence

The total for these 42 chisels come to 1 pound, which is the figure Jane Rees gives in the book for a journeyman's weekly wage at the time. Jane's 1 pound per week is similar to that given by other researchers. 42 blacksmith forged chisels for a week's pay.

[Stewie Simpson]

Excellent research Warren.

regards Stewie;

[Phil Mueller]

Interesting. Quick google would put that at about 507GBP (today's avg weekly income), or about $623. A bit over $20/chisel. Disclaimer; could not find avg journyman's wage...this reflects all wages.

Other sources say that 1 GBP would range from ~$93 in purchasing power to ~$1657 in relative avg income to buy a commodity in today's value. So somewhere between $2 - $40/chisel.

[Graham Haydon]

Shame you get get the same quality and quantity of chisels today at such reasonable prices.