The following 2 bricks were recovered on Greyhope Bay, Aberdeen.
Unidentified makers but the find location would suggest Scottish origins – Seaton or Clayhills?
Both bear tool impressions from a device that appears to have been pitch forked in design and used to move the bricks around.
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Below – 90mm x 160mm x 235mm
Below – 85mm x 150mm x 310mm
The photograph below is a close up of the top featured brick. The marks are 75mm apart on both examples and 48 – 50 mm deep on both. Note the circular shaped indentation between the 2 prong marks. This was likely a wooden shank and part of the handle for the device. The prongs would then appear to have protruded beyond the end of the handle. When stabbed into the brick the butt of the handle prevented you stabbing in too deep?
Below – The photographed brick has 2 sets of marks – the elongated pair were perhaps an attempt to lift the brick with the tool but it was not in correctly or it was not centralised enough with the brick, causing the brick to move on the prongs and leaving a more linear stretch mark. A second attempt was then successfully made to lift the brick as shown by the ‘normal’ shaped holes. Or possible there was a stone in the clay mix and the first attempt hit it with a prong and a wiggle motion did not allow the prong to penetrate deep enough to secure the brick hence a second attempt.
Or perhaps it was lifted twice.
Or perhaps it is a 4 pronged tool of different shaped tines.
This was left in situ.
Found by Ian Suddaby on the River Leven at Dumbarton. This example is not in my possession. Ian states – This extruded red brick has been handled using a three-pronged tool. The impression of the frame is also clear enough, usually only the prong marks can be seen. I’ve highlighted the shape in the photo. The…
Found by Ian Suddaby at the site of the old Hilton Brickworks, Alloa. This example is not in my possession. The manufacturer is unknown but there is every chance it was manufactured at the Hilton Works. Ian states – It looks like somebody trod on it whilst it was drying and split the fabric. It’s also…
This unmarked red clay brick was found by Ian Suddaby and is interesting for several reasons. Ian states:- Below – 1852 – 1853 – What appears to be a row of Gunpowder Mills are shown in 1853 alongside the Gore Water at Gorebridge in Midlothian, Scotland. Down in the river, an impressive sandstone wall with…
Found by Michael Fallone in the Glasgow area. This brick may have been used as a land drainage ’tile’ or its a brick for internal walls. Note the ribbing to the exterior and interior and also there are possible lifting tool marks. The manufacturer is unknown but the find location would suggest Scottish origins but…
This brick was found at the Whitrigbog Brick and Tile Works, St Boswells, Scottish Borders. The brick is believed to have been manufactured on-site. A 3 pronged tool has been used. The 3 holes are approx. 1 1/4″ deep. The centre of the left to the centre of the right measures 6 1/4″ making the…
Found in Scotland but the exact location is unknown. Unidentified maker. The find location would suggest Scottish origins. 8 cored red clay brick with lifting tool marks. This is unusual in that the lifting tool is not designed to fit into the brick cores. The tool looks to be made from 2 flat and narrow…
Found in a layby near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway. Unidentified manufacturer. Find location would suggest Scottish origins. The 2 lifting tool mark holes are 2 1/4″ inches apart. The left one penetrates to a depth of 2″ and the right one to a depth of 1 3/4″. There is also just below the marks either…
These two bricks or drains were found at the Old Muirhouselaw Brick and Tile Works, Scottish Borders. Each shows evidence of having been lifted with a single or a double-pronged lifting tool. . . . .
Found at Dryburgh Farm, Scottish Borders. Manufacturer unknown. 2 bricks that have 12 square holes running lengthways. Holes 1 and 3 in the second row of each brick appears to have been penetrated by a 2 pronged lifter. . Below – One brick laid flat and the other on its side. Below – Both bricks…
Found The Hothouse at Ramshead Walled Garden, Caldwell House, Uplawmoor, East Renfrewshire. Note the middle line of cores. Holes 1, 3, 4 and 6 appear to have had some sort of 4 pronged lifting device inserted. It may have also been lifted from the other side as the same holes look slightly misshapen. It is unlikely…
