60/673/2

This hind horseshoe is fullered, with seven nail holes. One wing ends in a ‘caulk’ (a protrusion at the toe or heel of a shoe which provides additional traction), while the other tapers to a wedge. It is part of a large collection of traditional craft products acquired from the British Council in 1960. Its origin is not known.

1 horseshoe: metal

MERL miscellaneous note, B. L. 22 March 1961 – ‘The British Council collection. // This collection of material which is covered by the accession numbers 60/430 to 60/791 contains examples of craft products made in the British Isles. The major part of the collection was prepared immediately after the Second World War for a travelling exhibition which was sent to Australia and New Zealand. // The collection was purchased for a nominal sum by the Museum in two portions, the one in the summer of 1960 and the other in February 1961. // For further details see the individual catalogue cards and the catalogue prepared for the temporary exhibition of the collection.’, MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘1. A front shoe. Both wings are grooved – one bearing four nail holes and the other three. Length 5 1/2 in., width 5 1/2 in. // 2. A hind shoe. Both wings are grooved and the side has four nail holes, also ends in a squared boss. The opposite wing with three nail holes is tapered. It is 5 3/4 in. long and 5 in. wide. // The origin of these shoes is not stated.’, British Council Ref. No. Not known.