51/684/3

This is the flywheel, or spit, 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 key and round spit, but missing the disc which covers the keyhole. It was made by Salter of West Bromwich and has the number 50 stamped on the base.

Bottle jack flywheel or spit

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This bottle jack was made by Salter and has the number 50 stamped on the base. The mechanism is of the standard type, but the disk which covers the keyhole is missing. The jack is complete with key and round spit. It measures 15 inches in length and 11.25 inches in circumference. The spit is 6.75 inches in diameter and the overall length is 18.5 inches. // See also 51/97 M and 51/686/1-2 L', No Lavinia Smith No. recorded.

West Bromwich

Jack, bottle, Flywheel

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)