Object number
51/1282
Description
A timber marker, also known as a ‘race’ or a ‘race knife’, was used for marking timber with a number or symbol for identification. It consists of a fixed prong and a moveable gouge and would be used like a pair of compasses to mark a circle. This timber marker was used in Yorkshire by the donor’s great-grandfather, William Sefton, at the end of the eighteenth century, and by the donor’s grandfather, Charles Thornton from 1832.
Physical description
1 timber marker: wood; metal; good condition
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This timber marker was the property of the donor’s great-grandfather, William Sefton, who used it in Yorkshire in the late 18th century. It was passed to his grandfather, Charles Thornton, of East Hardwick (Yorks) in 1832. // Timber markers were used by estate agents, bailiffs and woodmen for marking timber with a number or symbol for identification purposes. The fixed vertical prong formed the centre of a circle made by the fixed gouge. The other gouge on a moveable arm could be used to make circles with the prong as a centre or to make straight channels if the tool handle were pressed against the wood and drawn downwards. This gouge would probably make deeper incisions than the fixed one. A large number of marks in different combinations could be made which were almost indelible as they were made on the butt end of the log. These markers were also used by coopers to mark barrels and barrel parts and by carpenters to register junctions in heavy work. // another name for the tool is a RACE or RACE KNIFE. It has a wooden handle 3.25 inches long and .75 inches thick. The centre blade is 1.74 inches long and consists of a prong and a gouge. A second gouge is hinged to the side of the centre blade and measures 2 inches in length.'
Production date
1775-01-01 - 1799-12-31
Production period
Late-eighteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
