Summary
Sheep branding iron. Brand letters "KM" reversed. Used at Newmarket Saleyards.
Branding Irons or Sticks are tools with the purpose of leaving a mark usually to indicate ownership or to track stock movement. In order for the hide or fleece of stock to be kept in optimal condition, branding irons at the Newmarket Saleyards were only used with removable materials to identify stock. Prior to World War II, tar was used for branding, and then paint was used. For sheep branding, a mixture of sump oil and red ochre was sometimes used so as not to compromise the fleece for shearing. Animals were branded on the shoulder, loin, tail and loin, or at the hip points. Brands were usually applied after stock had been sold to indicate owner or Stock Agent.
Physical Description
Sheep branding iron. Used with tar. Welded metal made from heavy wire. The letters are welded within a circle, supported by a "tripod" with an additional central support. There is no handle other than this "tripod".
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Major Projects Unit, State Government of Victoria, 31 Jan 1990
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Place Used
Newmarket Saleyards, Newmarket, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pre 1987
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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overall dimensions
13 cm (Length), 12.5 cm (Width), 25 cm (Height)
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Dimensions
235 mm (Length), 135 mm (Width), 115 mm (Height)
Measurement From Conservation. Measuring Method: max dimensions
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Keywords
Branding Irons, Cattle Husbandry, Cattle Yards, Livestock Sale Yards, Sheep Husbandry, Sheep Yards, Working Life, Making History - Newmarket Saleyards