Object number
51/61
Collection
Description
A sickle possibly from Chedworth, Gloucestershire. The earliest tool for reaping corn, this shape dating to Saxon times, used until 1870.
This is a fairly light sickle, possibly from Chedworth in Gloucestershire. The blade shows no trace of a saw edge (a serrated blade) and has been worn down by constant use. 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. This sickle's wooden handle is turned and joined to the blade by a metal socket.
Physical description
1 sickle: metal; wood
Archival history
MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/61 // NAME: SICKLE // NEG NO.: 35/59 // STORAGE: '
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_59.tif - High resolution image
