51/97

A jack is a device for turning a spit. The bottle jack was hung either in a Dutch oven placed in front of the fire, or from a jack rack suspended above the fire. It is operated by clockwork and the meat is turned for several rotations in one direction and then back in the other. The mechanism is enclosed in a round brass case and is wound up by a key, which is missing. This bottle jack came from Bangrove Farm in Gloucestershire. It has the number ‘25’ stamped on the bottom above the maker’s name ‘Salter’

1 bottle jack; metal [brass]; good conditionHas the number '25' stamped on the bottom just below the maker's name 'Salter'; there is no key or spit.

Citation in publication [H. J. Massingham, 'Country Relics' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1939)] –'The "bottle-jack" hung from a bracket fixed on the mantelpiece, and the joint to be roasted was suspended from the jack.' (p.212) [see also p.201), MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/97 // NAME: BOTTLE JACK // NEG NO.: 35/90 // STORAGE: '