Object number
55/506
Description
This large billhook was probably used in hedging. The blade is curved, with a sharp outer edge and a pointed spoke projecting from halfway down. The blade is heavily rusted and the handle is missing. Large billhooks of this type were in common use in the early nineteenth century, and were blacksmith made. It has also been suggested that this tool is a draining knife, or ‘gutter knife’, for clearing drainage channels and cutting turf.
Physical description
1 billhook: metal
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The length of the billhook is 15 inches, and is made of iron, which is heavily rusted. The blade which is 3 inches wide, broadens at the bottom to 4.5 inches. Half way down the blade is a pointed spoke 3 inches long. The curved outer edge of the blade is sharp. The haft is missing. The tool was probably used for hedging. // Additional A 15 inch billhook of this type is illustrated in Beddall J. L. ‘Hedges for Farm and Garden’ (Faber and Faber) P.32. Larger billhooks of this type seem to have been common in the early nineteenth century, and they were blacksmith made.'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_830.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_1210.tif - High resolution image
