51/29

This is a large pick-axe, also called a 'jad', used in quarrying large slabs of stone for building. The quarryman knelt on one knee to use the pick, making a series of holes about four inches deep in the stone. Wedges (also called 'skellings' or 'skellies') were then inserted, before being tapped in with a sledge hammer until the stone broke into pieces. According to the donor, this jad was made in the north-west Cotswolds by a local blacksmith.

1 jad pick: wood and metal; good condition

Citation in publication [H. J. Massingham, 'Country Relics' (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1939)] –'A less brusque and older but not yet obsolete method of extracting the stone other than by blasting it, and one that calls for individual dexterity and experience, is by the use of the "jad", a fine specimen of which I have in my Hermitage. This is a large, well-constructed pickaxe, made by the local blacksmith. One end is wider than the other and this, so a strapping quarryman explained to me, taps or "jumps" a hole in just the same way as any other mortising tool. The opening is then tapered by using the smaller end [page break] and "skellies" (scales) or wedges are then inserted. These, which I also have in my hermitagem are often left in overnight and driven but not overdriven in by a sledge-hammer- sideways if possible in order to lift the block off its bed- until the stone breaks. It is then broken up into sizes, allowing 1 in. larger than is needed for each block in order that he "banker-mason's" chisels may have scope. The principle of the jad is that the stone does not split like wood but cracks like glass.' (pp. 32-33), MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘PICK (JAD) QUARRYMAN'S JAD // DATE ACQUIRED: January, 1951 // GROUP: MINING & QUARRYING // NEGATIVE: 35/225 // PERIOD: unknown // PLACE OF ORIGIN: The H. J. Massingham Collection // NUMBER: 51/29M // DESCRIPTION: This tool is a large pick-axe used in quarrying large slabs of stone for building. The quarryman knelt on one knee, and, with a pecking motion, made holes about 4 inches deep in the stone, each hole in line with the others and all a foot or less apart. One end of the jad is wider that the other so that the initial hole made with the larger end is tapered with the small end. Wedges, called SKELLINGS or SKELLIES, are then inserted, two to each hole and a third between them for tightening. These are tapped in with a sledge hammer, at an angle if possible in order to life the block off its bed, until the stone breaks. Stone does not split up like wood, but cracks into pieces. // This jad came from the north-west Cotswolds, and was made by a lock blacksmith. It has a stout wooden handle measuring 2 feet in length. The head is 1 ft. 8.5 inches in length and 3 inches wide at the socket. One end is slightly larger and more blunt than the other. The tool is very heavy, but well balanced.', MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/13 // NAME: QUARRYMEN'S PICK AXE // NEG NO.: 35/225 // STORAGE: P. Ex. [Permanent Exhibition] Stonemason.'

Cotswolds

Wood, Metal