Spade AQ

English. C1900. Lincolnshire fen ditching spade. Steel cutting edge and red oxide treated straps. Ash handle and blade with copper rivets. The smooth wooden face allowed the sticky clay soil to ease off the blade during the back breaking work of cutting water channels in the land. Land drains were often laid into the channels using Clay Pipes (see Land Drain under ‘Science’) and a Pipe Hook. The painting of the rusting strapping shows the care given to a working man’s property in the day. 51.8 inches (131.5cms) x 6.5 inches (16.4cms).