51/474

Preview of 60 years of The Archers and MERL: 1951-2011, Everyday stories of country folk: 60 years of The Archers and MERL: 1951-2011, History of the World

A spavin scorer is a veterinary instrument which was applied hot to blister or cauterise a diseased hock joint (knee) of a horse to prevent lameness. It was given to Lavinia Smith by Mr Barney Mulford, a farmer and publican in East Hendred. The original handle decayed and a new handle has been made to the exact pattern.

1 spavin scorer: metal; wood

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This spavin scorer was given to Miss Smith by Mr. Barney Mulford of East Hendred, (Berks). Bone and bog spavin is the disease or inflammation of part of the hock joint, and used to be treated by blistering or cautery, with a hot iron. The scorer would be heated and then applied to the diseased part. // It measures 22 inches in length, including the short wooden handle. The triangular blade is 3.5 inches long.', Lavinia Smith No. 41, Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Property of other shepherds // 41. Tailing iron. Barney Mulford'

Wood, Metal

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)