51/699

This skimmer has a circular brass plate perforated with round holes and a long iron handle with a hook on the end so that it could be hung up beside the fire. It was used in cooking, such as when making soup, to skim the surface and remove the 'scum'. Nothing is known of its origins.

1 skimmer: metal [brass and iron handle]; good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'The most common type of skimmer in use since the 18th century consists of a circular pan of brass, copper or tinned iron, perforated with small holes, and attached to a long iron handle. // This skimmer is made of brass, and the iron handle is fastened to the pan by three copper rivets. There is a hook on the end of the handle so that it could be hung up beside the fire. The pan is 7.25 inches in diameter, and the handle is 17.35 inches in length.', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Heating and Cooking // 190-191. Two old steel skimmers.' (See also 51/691) (NB. Smith's record describes the skimmers as being made of steel. It is possible that she is mistaken or the skimmers described are no longer in the collection), Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 42 // Skimmer // Lent by Museum of English Rural Life' (The catalogue description could also refer to 51/691)

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)