Object number
85/31
Description
Side axe used by Henry John Knight a hurdle-maker from Silchester Common, Hampshire, for trimming and paring wood.
A side axe has a cutting edge which is bevelled (sharpened) on one side only. This side axe has a wide cutting blade and a short wooden handle. It was used by the donor’s father, Henry John Knight (1909–1963) a hurdle-maker from Silchester Common, Hampshire, for trimming and paring wood. The donor’s grandfather, Harry John Knight, was also a hurdle-maker.
Physical description
1 axe: metal, wood
Archival history
MERL ‘Handwritten accession form’ (Institute of Agricultural History) – ‘Standard museum name: AXE, side // Accession number: 85/31 // … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 14.5.85 // Description: This axe has a wide side cutting blade which is carried well below the socket. It has a heavy flat pole and a short handle. // Similar to 85/30 // Dimensions: Total length: 29.0 cm // Length of head: 19.0 cm // Depth of head: 15.0 cm. // Associated information: See 85/25 for details about user. [Used by Henry John Knight (1909–1963) hurdlemaker of Heathcote, Silchester Common, Hants. (father of Mr Knight the donor) // Grandfather was Harry John Knight, hurdlemaker and thatcher of Calleva Cottage, Silchester.] // This tool is used for trimming and paring wood – see 85/30 [It is capable of delicate work and has been widely used since medieval times. The weight of the axe did the work but it needed careful handling.] // References: see 85/30 [MERL Library 5850 R. A. Salaman, ‘Dictionary of Tools’ P51 + P63.]’
Object name
Material
Dimensions
- Length 290 mm
- Length 190 mm
- Depth 150 mm
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_15446.tif - High resolution image
