51/685/1

This is the main body of a bottle jack, 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. This jack is complete with flywheel (round spit) but the key is missing. There is no maker's name on this bottle jack, but the number 3 is stamped on the base.

1 bottle jack and spit: metal; good condition - incomplete, key missing

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'There is no maker’s name on this bottle jack, but the number 3 is stamped on the base. Miss Smith gives no indication of its origin. // It measures 16.5 inches in length and 12.25 inches in circumference. The round spit which hangs from the hook on the base is 6.25 inches in diameter. The overall length is 19 inches. // See also 51/97 M and 51/686/1-2.L.', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded.

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)