Burnisher, Gardiner, Maine, 1875-1900. Maine State Museum. Gift of Lewis J. Sheaffer, 72.166.3.45.
Burnisher, Gardiner, Maine, 1875-1900. Maine State Museum. Gift of Lewis J. Sheaffer, 72.166.3.45.
Shoemakers used burnishers to smooth and polish the shoe in its final stage of production. This two-handled example is made of walnut and brass. The shoemaker rubbed the center portion of the burnisher against the leather to achieve a high grade finish to the leather.
Burnisher machines later replaced hand burnishers. This burnisher is part of a collection that was passed down in the Hazzard family of Gardiner, Maine. Robert Parks Hazzard owned the city's largest shoe company in the early 1900s.