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Item: Antique Baldwin Bros. Cobbler Stand with 6 Cast Iron Shoe Lasts / Forms
Brand: Baldwin Bros. / Warranted
Model: Various Sizes / Warranted 16
Condition: Used
Condition Notes: Antique used condition with age-related wear, surface oxidation, scratches, dirt, finish loss and other signs of use. One shoe last has noticeable damage/chipping around the mounting socket. Please review all photos closely for exact condition.
Antique cast iron cobbler or shoemaker tool set featuring a stand prominently marked “BALDWIN BROS. CLINTON, IA.” along with six removable cast iron shoe lasts/forms. Several of the lasts retain cast-in markings, including “WARRANTED 16.” These interchangeable iron forms were traditionally used by cobblers and shoemakers during shoe construction and repair.
Historical Interest: Baldwin Bros. was a historic hardware business in Clinton, Iowa with roots dating to the 19th century. Clinton County historical records document the Baldwin Bros. store by the 1860s, including references to the local library occupying rooms over the Baldwin Bros. store. The business continued through the latter part of the 19th century. Historical records associated with the later Moeszinger-Marquis Hardware Company indicate that Louis C. Moeszinger began working for Baldwin Bros. in 1879, later acquired an interest in the business, and the operation was incorporated as Baldwin Brothers Co. in 1890. The company was subsequently renamed Moeszinger-Marquis Hardware Company in 1899 and developed into a wholesale hardware supplier serving eastern Iowa and western Illinois.
The Baldwin Bros. Clinton, Iowa marking gives this particular cobbler stand an interesting connection to Clinton and Iowa commercial history. The exact manufacturing or sale date of this individual tool has not been established, so no specific date is being represented. It is being offered as an antique historical tool based on its construction, markings and provenance associated with Baldwin Bros.
This would make an excellent display piece for a collector of antique tools, cobbler and shoemaking equipment, Iowa memorabilia, Clinton Iowa history, primitive industrial equipment, vintage hardware advertising or early American trades.
Item Specifics:
- Type: Cobbler / Shoemaker Stand and Shoe Last Set
- Material: Cast Iron
- Stand Marking: Baldwin Bros. Clinton, IA.
- Last Markings: Includes Warranted 16 and other size/number markings
- Number of Shoe Lasts: 6
- Number of Stands: 1
- Color: Black / Dark Iron
- Era: Antique / 19th to early 20th century
Included: One Baldwin Bros. cast iron cobbler stand and six cast iron shoe lasts/forms exactly as pictured.
Notes: One last has damage around its mounting opening/socket. No attempt has been made to restore or heavily clean the pieces, preserving their aged surface and patina. All pieces are being sold together as one lot. Photos are part of the description and show the actual items you will receive.
