Historic Tools of North Castle

Heel Buttress

This tool at Smith’s Tavern is a heel buttress, used by farriers to trim horses’ hooves.  The tool appears to be handmade by a blacksmith versus mass manufactured; the initials “BRB” are on the butt end of the wooden handle.  There is another metal “U” shaped handle in the middle of the tool for two-handed use.  The tool has a spatula-style end that was the cutting/trimming end.

Reference:  https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/farriers-buttress-hoof-trimming-tool-254158442

Catalog Items:

Item T80

Location:Panel 13
Length: 42 cm
Width: 16 cm
Height: 5 cm
Weight: 533 g