Object number
96/107
Creator
Description
Billhooks are used in hedging and coppice work, and they vary greatly from region to region. This billhook has a curved tip and two cutting edges - one following the curve of the hook, the other in the form of a knife edge at the back of the tool. It was made by Robert Sorby of Sheffield and is marked with the numbers 2 and 890.
Physical description
1 billhook: metal; wood; good condition- edge damaged
Label Text
Billhook. Billhooks are traditional British implements used for hedging and copping. Their design varies greatly from region to region. This hook was made in Sheffield, and has two blades; one along the curve and another on the back. Agricultural implements have a history of use by unfortunate farmers in times of war. In the medieval period, the billhook was very commonly used by English levies. It was such an effective weapon that purely military versions were created and used by professional soldiers in the Hundred Years' War.
Archival history
MERL Handwritten Accession Form (Museum of English Rural Life) – ‘Recorder: JMB // Date: 19.6.97 // Description: Bill hook with curved end and wooden handle with a ferrule. // Inscription: [kangaroo symbol] // ROBt SORBY // SHEFFIELD // 2 // Number on Reverse // 890 // Dimensions: Total length: 40.5 cm // Width of blade: 7.0 cm // Associated information: See also Acc. No. 96/100 // No other information.’
Production place
Sheffield
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_16920.tif - High resolution image
