This miniature wooden workbench features a hand operated metal shaper attached to the bench top. This was an early form of milling machine. A vise is attached to the right side of the bench. The back of the bench contains a host of small handmade tools, including an auger drill, hammer, wrenches, chisels, screwdrivers, pliers, and more.
Mr. Petersen created a vast array of projects over his lifetime, ranging from miniature engines to hand-cranked animations and more. He built functional miniatures like a 1/3 scale Gatling gun or a 1/4 scale Case steam tractor, but he also built mechanical creations for the fun and enjoyment of his family. When Birk passed away in 2015, his family graciously donated over 150 items from his collection for display at the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, where they are currently on display. We thank the Petersen family for sharing his extensive collection, which demonstrates the broad interests and many talents of Birk Petersen.