Leaf cutting dies (1 of 3), circa 1910-1970s
Scope and Contents
34 leaf-shaped cutting dies, used to make either plastic, wax cloth, or paper cutouts for exhibits, possibly between the 1910s and 1970s. Two leaf types were identified: Birch and Alder. Three of these cutting dies were used in the creation of the Mountain Beaver Diorama, in the Bernard Family Hall of North American Mammals.
Cutting dies are a tool used to cut and/or form material to a desired shape or profile. Leaves or flowers were usually cut out from waxed gauze, however plastic and paper were also used. The gauze was laid on a wet block and the die was also dipped into water to prevent adhesion of the wax. The die was forced through the gauze with a sharp blow of a mallet, which produced a clean-cut edge. A die was used when many small parts were required. Most of the dies in the box are possibly made of lead. This was important because the weight of the material helped with the die cutting, which is now done by machine or scissors by hand.
Dates
- Usage: circa 1910-1970s
Extent
34 Objects
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Physical Location
5-120 F-5
Bibliography
Physical Description
Cutting dies possibly made of tin with wood shapers and veining dies most likely made of iron. The dies are numbered: 689-733.
Dimensions
Box: 12 (depth) x 15.2 (width) x 3 (height) inches
Creator
- From the Collection: Department of Exhibition (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Museum Archives at the Gottesman Research Library Repository
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park West
New York NY 10024 USA
(212) 769-5420
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