Object number
60/134
Description
This is a sheep dipping trough, made of oak with iron fittings and with stocks at one end to hold the sheep by the neck. It was made by Dorset craftsman in the early-nineteenth century or earlier. It was last used by the donor’s grandfather circa 1890, and was used as a mobile unit within a thirty-mile radius of Gillingham by a team of four men. The donor’s family were famous for sheep dipping for many generations.
Label Text
Portable sheep dip. This is a sheep dipping trough, made of oak with iron fittings. It has stocks at one end to hold the sheep by the neck whilst it was submerged in chemicals to kill pests. It was made by a Dorset craftsman in the early nineteenth century or earlier. Last used by the donor's grandfather circa 1890, the dip was used as a mobile unit within a thirty-mile radius of Gillingham by a team of four men. The donor's family were famous for sheep dipping for many generations. It is believed to be the only one of its kind in the country.
Archival history
MERL Recording form – ‘Who used it: Mr. George Fricker (grandfather of present owner) // When was it used: Last used about 1890 // How was it used: With 4 men manhandling the sheep // Where was it used: As a mobile unit within a radius of 30 miles // Has it a local name: Fricker’s sheep dip // When this object was used do you know if it was common in many parts of the country or only in the place from which it came: Believed to be the only one of its kind in the country // Who made it: Local craftsmen (name unknown) // When was it made: Well over 150 years ago // Where was it made: Locally // From what materials is the object made: Oak and iron fittings // Is it corroded or broken or damaged in any other way: No // What are its approximate measurements: 8’ length x 3’ width x 3’6” deep // Have you a photograph of the object: Photograph being taken // Has it any unusual characteristics: Stocks to hold sheep by the neck at one end // Additional information: Known to all farmers over a very wide district, where Mr Fricker’s family have been famous for sheep dipping through many generations // Could you please make a rough sketch of the object:’
Production place
Dorset
Production date
1800-01-01 - 1824-12-31
Production period
Early-nineteenth century
Object name
Associated subject
