51/115

This punch was used for earmarking sheep with a mark of ownership. The punch is shaped like a pair of tweezers, with one arm ending in a small cup with a knob in the centre, and the other in a small tube which fits closely over the knob when the arms are brought together. This method of marking probably pre-dates the branding iron, and was highly developed with different combinations of cuts and holes. This ear punch came from a Gloucestershire farmer and has previously belonged to his grandfather.

1 ear punch: metal

Citation in publication [H. J. Massingham, 'Country Relics' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1939)] –'Close by is an ear-punch for ear-marking sheep, shaped tweezer-fashion and with a lead centre, evidently fitted by the country smith to prevent damage to the cutter; a neat job. It belonged to to the grandfather of Arthur Humphries, a farmer of Sevenhampton in Gloucestershire, recently dead. Since both is father and grandfather died of advanced years, this punch, if it is not earlier, may well have been contemporary with Southey's acount of ear-marking in his 'Commonplace Book' of 1849-51. The custom was certainly of ancient origin, and the ear-punch probably preceded the branding-iron, itself now obselete in most parts of England.' (p.133), MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/115 // NAME: EAR PUNCH // NEG NO.: 35/49 // STORAGE: '

1800-01-01 - 1824-12-31

Early-nineteenth century