Object number
51/330
Collection
Description
This smooth edged 'bagging' or 'fagging' hook has a sharp blade and is used for reaping corn. Instead of grasping the corn as with a sickle, the reaper held back the stalks or drew them towards him with a short crook called a 'fagging stick'. They continued to be used after the introduction of machinery for harvesting as they could cut crops close to hedges and walls that could not be reached by machine. This hook came from Hungerford, in Berkshire, where it had been used for hedge trimming from about 1860.
Physical description
1 hook: metal; wood
Archival history
MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'Smooth edge hooks suceeded [sic] the serrated sickle for reaping corn in many places about 1860 – 1870. They have sharp blades and are heavier and wider than sickles and were used with a different action. Instead of grasping the corn, the reaper held back the stalks or drew them towards him with a short crook made of wood or iron called a FAGGING STICK, and slashed through the straw instead of sawing it as with a sickle. A larger quantity of corn was cut at one swing, though time was taken up with sharpening the blade. These hooks are still in use today for trimming hedges, and also for cutting standing crops close up to a hedge or wall, which cannot be reached by machine. This fagging hook came from Hungerford (Berks) and had been in use from about 1860 largely for hedge trimming. The blade is wider and less curved than a sickle blade and the end slants to a point. It measures 23.5 inches in length. The wooden handle measures 10.5 inches and is bound with an iron ring at the top.'
Production date
1825-01-01 - 1874-12-31
Production period
Mid-nineteenth century
Object name
Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\35 series negatives\Scans\35_474.tif - High resolution image
