Large Old Wet Stone or Sharpening Wheel with Crank Handle and Iron Reservoir

A huge example of an early 20th century wet stone or sharpening wheel marked Falkirk Iron Co Ltd, bearing an ordnance mark (upward arrowhead) and the date 1939.

The sump or trough in which the wheel sits would be filled with water as a wet stone sharpens better than a dry one. There is a small tap at the bottom of the trough to drain the water in winter when the stone's not in use. A frozen reservoir would not only stop the wheel turning but could also crack the cast iron trough.

The four slots in the V-shaped frame would each have had an oak or elm leg - lifting the whole apparatus to waist height for ease if use.

The stone wheel has cracked across its width though it's still intact.

A great display piece or, if the cracked wheel was 'pinned' to stabilise it, it could posssibly be used once more to sharpn knives, shears, scythes and all manner of garden, household and agricultural implements.

Diameter of Stone: 75cm