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W. Bricknall (Maker)

This side axe is a chairmaker's axe, used for preparing wood for lathe work. It was made by W. Bricknall, a blacksmith at Stokenchurch sometime before 1856, the year in which he left the area. It was made for the donor's grandfather, who was a chair bodger, and who specified its design, including the unusual edge bevelled on one side only. The sheath was made by the donor, to protect the cutting edge. The blade is inscribed 'W. Bricknall, Stokenchurch'.

axe: wood, iron

MERL 'Handwritten catalogue' form – 'AXE (CHAIRMAKER'S) // Used at Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks. See Recording Form. // [pencil sketch] // wood + iron', MERL Recording form – 'Who used it // donor's grandfather who was a chair bodger (also called Steptoe) // When was it used // about 110 years ago // How was it used // preparing wood for lathe work // Where was it used // Stokenchurch, near High Wycombe, Bucks // Who made it // The blacksmith at Stokenchurch, called Bricknall ("Bricknall, Stokenchurch" is stamped on the blade) // When was it made // some time before 1856 (the year in which he left Stokenchurch + settled in Nettlebed) // Where was it made // Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, Bucks // Has it any unusual characteristics // The cutting edge is bevelled on one side only // Additional information // This was made to specifications of the grandfather. // The donor made the sheath to protect the cutting edge.'

Stokenchurch

1856

Wood, Metal, iron