Object number
55/498
Collection
Description
This sickle, used in Gloucestershire, has a saw edge (a serrated blade) and a pointed tip. The blade forms a very open curve.
This sickle, used in Gloucestershire, has a saw edge (a serrated blade) and a pointed tip. The blade forms a very open curve. The sickle was the earliest tool for reaping corn, with this shape dating to Saxon times, and was in common use until 1870. The reaper stooped and, grasping a bunch of corn in one hand, curved the sickle round it and cut the straw by drawing the sickle towards him.
Physical description
1 sickle: metal; wood; good condition- some woodworm
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This Gloucestershire sickle has a blade 26 inches long with a very open curve. The tip of the blade is pointed but not sharp and the serration of the blade stops 3 inches from this tip. The wooden handle is 5 inches long and 2 inches wide at its thickets point. // see also 51/59M.'
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Material
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