85/45/1-2

Hiatt & Co. Ltd. (Manufacturer)

These are two copper bull nose rings. One is fixed with a screw and the other (which is slightly broken) is fixed with a split pin. They are inscribed, 'BRITISH MADE HIATTS WROUGHT' and were made by Hiatt & Co. Ltd. They were donated to MERL by Captain Ivan Downer via Southampton Museum. Captain Downer was a collector of a variety of objects.

2 bull nose rings: copper; good conditionInscription: British Made Hiatts Wrought

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: BULL RING // Accession number: 85/45/1-2 // Classification: LIVESTOCK Cattle // Negative number: 60/14923 // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: Capt. Ivan Downer, [...], [via Southampton Museum] - provenance July 1985 // Store: small object // Condition: good // Recorder, date: JMB 26.9.85 // Description: 2 copper bull nose rings - // One is fixed with a screw and the other (which is slightly broken) is fixed with a split pin. // Inscription: BRITISH MADE HIATTS WROUGHT // Dimensions: Diameter: 7.5cm // Associated information: [pencil sketch] Actual size // Class 19.2 // Bull rings // livestock - cattle - equipment // References:', Letter, Mrs J. E. Neale (City of Southampton Museums Secretary) to MERL, 23 July 1985 – 'Dear Mr Brigden // Diana asked me to send these two copper rings which were used to put in bulls' noses; apparently she mentioned these to you when she saw you the other day. // The donor was Captain Ivan Downer, who collects all sorts of objects and I believe is confining himself to domestic collections now - hence these are surplus to his requirements! The little key is also enclosed. A copy of his letter agreeing that they be sent on is attached. // Yours sincerely // (MRS) J E NEALE // MUSEUMS SECRETARY', Letter, Captain Ivan Downer to Mrs D. Craven, date unknown – 'Dear Mrs Craven, // I agree to the two bull nose rings being offered to the Museum to which you referred at Reading. // Yours sincerely // Ivan Downer', Letter, MERL to Captain Ivan Downer, 30 July 1985 – 'Dear Captain Downer, // We have recently received two bull nose rings via Southampton Museum. They have been recorded as gifts under your name. // Yours sincerely, // Roy D Brigden // Keeper, Museum of English Rural Life'

Bull ring, Bull leader