Object number
73/188
Description
A spud was used in fields to cut weeds, particularly thistles, in corn or root crops.
This is a spud which has a flat rectangular blade with short spike projecting from neck at one side. It has a round section socket with one nail hole and fragment of original wooden handle inside. It was used in fields to cut weeds, particularly thistles, in corn or root crops. The hooked part was used to cut through the thistle root below ground level.
Physical description
1 thistle spud: metal [iron] and wood; poor condition: rusty
Archival history
MERL Catalogue Form (temporary) – ‘Spud, thistle // Date Used: 1920s, Place used: Kingsclere, Hants, User: Laurence Thatcher, Hurdle maker // Mr D. G. Butler, Upper Bucklebury, Reading // Description: Flat rectangular blade with short spike projecting from neck at one side. Round section socket with one nail hole and fragment of original wooden handle inside. Used in fields to cut weeds, particularly thistles, in corn or root crops. The hooked part was used to cut through the thistle root below ground level.”
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11565.tif - High resolution image
