68/138

A cauterising iron, or searing iron, which was heated until red-hot and used to sear the stumps of animals' tails to stop the bleeding after they had been docked. It is made of iron with a flattened paddle at one end, and a wooden handle at the other. This iron is part of the Sharp Collection of agricultural and dairying equipment.

The Sharp Collection of agricultural and dairying equipment was compiled by Reverend C. J. Sharp at Wonersh, Surrey. Reverend Sharp died in 1967 and the Museum acquired the Collection for £60 in 1968., MERL ‘Handwritten Catalogue’ form – ‘CAUTERISING IRON // 68/138 // LIVESTOCK Veterinary // SHARP COLLECTION // Wood // Iron // [pencil drawing].’

Iron, cauterising, Iron, searing