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An adjustable die wrench or die stock, with two straight handles, and two screw dies (a tool used to cut the threads on screws). The wrench is used to turn the die. This example, stamped 'Chaplin', was used by Mathew Chaplin, a plumber in Newbury and later Speen (now part of Newbury) in Berkshire.

Screw die, die wrench: metal

MERL Catalogue Form (temporary) – ‘Stock and dies // metal // use – Mathew Chaplin, 1895, Newbury, Berkshire', MERL Miscellaneous note – 'Plumber – Mathew Chaplin is listed as a plumber of Adam and Eve Road, Newbury, Berks in Kelly's Directory 1895. In the 1924 ed. Chaplin's address is given simply as Speen (now part of Newbury). There is no entry for Chaplin in 1939. // Dr J. J. Morland, the Duke House, Aldermaston acquired the tools from Tim Denson who took over Chaplin's son's house at Speen and who had purchased them in 1976. // Dr Morland hopes to find the address of the present Chaplin (grandson of Mathew). The Chaplins address before he left was Bow Cottage, Speen, Newbury. It would appear that the plumbers brushes may have been carried on from Bow Cottage. // Pending further information via Dr Morland there is nothing more to record. Tools can be checked in the catalogues in trade records.'

Wrench, die, Die, screw