51/483

This is a grid type barley awner, also known as a 'hummeler' or an 'iler' in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, for removing the 'awns' or beards of barley. It was given to Lavinia Smith by Henry Dormer, a farmer from East Hanney in Oxfordshire.

1 barley awner: metal (iron); fair condition - handle missing

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'This barley hummeler was given to Miss Smith by Henry Dormer of Hanney (Berkshire). It consists of an iron frame containing a set of blades parallel to one another and an inch and a half apart. The frame is rectangular and measures 15 inches by 10 inches. The wooden handle is missing and the hummeler terminates in the iron spike which would have been imbedded in the handle. It stands 14 inches high.', Lavinia Smith No. 478., Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) - 'A list of the contents of the East Hendred museum. July 5 1940 // 478. Iler, for removing the beard from barley. Henry Dormer of Hanney. These ilers had a crutch handle and was moved up and down [sic]. Iler is the local name. It is also called Hawner andHummerler [sic].', Lavinia Smith Catalogue (D60/28) [page 35] - 'No.478 // [pencil sketch] // Iler: Berks // For taking the beard off barley. It had a crutch handle // Its name varies in different counties // iron slats / 14x10 in.', Heritage of the Hendreds Exhibition 1969 - 'Catalogue of Exhibits // Number 366 // Barley Awner or Iler // Lent by MERL Miss Smith c.' (This description could also be in reference to 51/482)

Rippon, Miss Dorothy May Lyddon (Agent)