Since the first MARPLES ‘Pig Scraper’ is to be found in the 1888 Catalogue [Item #1899], I can only surmise that prior to then, no pigs needed to be scraped!
This first tool, like its’ descendents, had an included Hook, the purpose for which eludes me. The first description does not state that it was ‘handled’ but I think it must have been.
The same number and increased description is to be found in 1897 :
In 1903 the Hooked version [#6863] and a non-Hooked version [#6864] are found and repeated in 1909 below:
1921 below is similar:
In 1928 the Hooked version is #6863, whereas the non-Hooked version is now #6853.1/2. The handle is described as being made of Ash and is ‘Through Tanged’:
1938:
1959:
The Catalogues of 1938 and 1959 show the same information.
This tool was de-listed around December 1963 and then there was a huge squeal of delight from the piggies!!!
