Record ID: SUR-9162D1
Object type: EEL SPEAR
Broad period: MODERN
County: Surrey
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A largely complete wrought iron eel spear. The spear has five barbed blades of which the outer pair are integral with the socketed handle. The remaining three blades are separate pieces which are riveted to the curve which forms the outer blades. A separate curving flat iron bar is rivetted across all five blades to bind them together. Remains of a wooden handle survive and this is held on to the socket by a nut and bolt. The upper part of the handle socket is broken and missing. The spear is likely to be later 19th century in date.
Created on: Wednesday 1st February 2012
Last updated: Wednesday 1st February 2012
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: NLM-205552
Object type: EEL SPEAR
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
County: Lincolnshire
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Wrought Iron. Eel Spear. Tine from an eel spear; this implement would comprise a series of blunt tines arranged in a fan pattern; the fisherman would lunge with the spear at eels which would be trapped between the tines without suffering serious injury. The eel was a valued commodity throughout the Medieval period and its migratory habits were known and widely exploited. Eel spears in museum collections - as at the Hull and East RidingMuseum - show exactly the same techniques continued to be used up until recent times. Suggested date: Medieval to Post-Medieval, 1200-1800. The find…
Created on: Wednesday 22nd June 2011
Last updated: Friday 9th September 2011
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Brookenby', grid reference and parish protected.