Object number
76/305
Description
A slater's axe, 'chopper' or 'zax', used for trimming slates to size and pecking holes for nails. The blade is stamped 'HB', and a pine handle.
A slater's axe, also called a 'chopper' or 'zax', used for trimming slates to size and pecking holes for nails. It has an iron blade, stamped 'HB', and a pine handle.
Physical description
1 slater's axe: wood [pine] and metal [iron]; good condition
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Slaters' axe // Accession number: 76/305 // ... // Description: Iron slater’s axe with a handle of pine. // ‘HB’ is stamped on the blade. // Dimensions: length 48.3 cms width 15.8 cm // Associated information: ‘Used for trimming slates to size and pecking holes for the nails.’ (Salaman) // Alternatively called a ‘chopper’ or ‘zax’ (Jenkins). // References: R A Salaman. ‘Dictionary of Tools’, 1975, fig.164, p.105 // J G Jenkins, ‘Traditional Country Craftsmen’, 1965, p.183.'
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_14004.tif - High resolution image
