Old Lignum Vitae mallet

[Wrenchmensch]

I found this old, hickory-handled lignum vitae mallet 10-15 years ago. I rubbed some boiled linseed oil into it after I got it home, and the old wood turned this brown color.  This small 8 3/4 inch long mallet attests to the hardness, strength and durability of lignum vitae.  I  can imagine some 18th c. cabinet maker carving an intricate design into a fine piece of hardwood furniture-in-the-making with it

[jimwrench]

yes, I'd like to know what all its made. Too bad tools don't have a history file with them.

[Wrenchmensch]

Found in a New Castle, Delaware flea market. I don't imagine it traveled too far in its life.  Some of the 18th c. pieces, e.g. highboys, dressing tables, tables in Philadelphia Museum of Art, and in the Sewell Biggs collection in Dover, Delaware may have been made with this mallet.