Object number
87/70
Description
A billhook or spar hook, used for splitting poles and thatching spars. It has no inscription and was probably blacksmith-made. The hook belonged to the donor's grandfather, a farm bailiff in the Tadley area of North Hampshire.
Physical description
1 billhook: metal; wood; good condition
Archival history
MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Recorder: JMB // Date: 14.12.87 // Description: Billhook with a deeply curved blade. // No inscription probably blacksmith made. Bears some similarity in construction with 87/71. // Dimensions: Total length: 45.0 cm Length of handle: 17.0 cm // Associated information: This billhook belonged to Mr Appleton’s grandfather who was a farm bailiff in North Hampshire (Tadley Area) // According to Salaman p75. This type of billhook was used for splitting poles and thatching spars. // According to Dr Collins it is a Hampshire hurdlemaker’s hook. // References: R. A. Salaman ‘Dictionary of Tools’ p.75 MERL 5850’
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_15450.tif - High resolution image
