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This branding iron, in the shape of the letter 'B' is of the type used to mark sheep to show ownership when there is a danger of flocks becoming mixed. The iron would be dipped in special paint or a composition of pitch and tar, and branding usually took place at shearing time. Irons like this were usually made by local blacksmiths. This branding iron was given to Lavinia Smith by Miss Margaret Bradfield.

1 branding iron: metal (iron); good condition

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Sheep are branded with ownership where there is a danger of flocks becoming mixed. The branding is done with an iron dipped in special paint or a composition of pitch and tar. It is a seasonal mark, usually done at shearing time. The irons were usually made locally by blacksmiths, and required a certain amount of craftsmanship in the design and construction of the letters. They are also known as BUISTING IRONS. // This branding iron marks the sheep with the letter B. Miss Smith obtained it from Miss Margaret Bradfield, who probably lived in the neighbourhood of East Hendred. It has a long handle terminating in a ring.', Lavinia Smith No. 40., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) – 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // Property of other shepherds // 40. Branding iron B. Margaret Bradfield', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) [page 8] - 'No.40 // [pencil sketch] // Branding Iron', MERL Miscellanous note - The Berkshire Record Office has an archive collection containing the receipts of the Bradfield family, millers of East Hendred, consists of over 200 receipts, spanning 40 years of expenditure, from 1860s-1890s (ref. D/EX2637/1-25).

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)