WBC 1 M 28
— 28/07/2024Found by Ian Suddaby in Haddington, East Lothian. This example is not in my possession. Wemyss Brick Co. Various works in the Aberhill, Denbeath and Methil areas of Fife. This is a 3 cored example. . . .
This was found by Ian Suddaby on the River Nith, Rosefield Mills, Dumfries.
Several other similarly marked bricks were found alongside it.
The brick measures 9″ x 4½” x 3″ and is cored – with 6 narrow holes.
The holes top left and right have been enlarged as a lifting tool has been inserted into the holes. The distance between the centres of these holes is 5″.
Around the middle hole on the bottom row, is a slight circular indentation measuring 1 ” diameter.
It appears a 2 pronged fork with a centred offset wooden peg was used to move these bricks around pre-firing. The wooden peg appears to have acted as a ‘depth gauge’ or stop prevent you from shoving the prongs in unnecessarily deep. But as the wooden ‘stop’ is not aligned between the prongs it appears it also acts as a brace to stop the brick swivelling on the prongs above.
Below – The brick lifting tool may have looked something like this.
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Found by Ian Suddaby in Haddington, East Lothian. This example is not in my possession. Wemyss Brick Co. Various works in the Aberhill, Denbeath and Methil areas of Fife. This is a 3 cored example. . . .
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…
(Note – SBH – Some of the sentence construction and grammar makes reading the following a little difficult at times but hopefully, it is understandable). 02/05/1849 – North British Agriculturist – Improvements suggested in brick making. (Mr Thomas Dean writes). You will oblige me by inserting in your valuable journal the following few remarks on…
Found by Paddy and Daisy MacDonald in the New Cumnock area. This example is not in my possession. Dated 74 for 1974 and 3 cored. There may be a ‘9’ stamped to the right of the main stamp. Afton Brickworks, New Cumnock. . .
Found by Paddy and Daisy MacDonald in the New Cumnock area. This example is not in my possession. Dated 73 for 1973 and 3 cored. Afton Brickworks, New Cumnock. . .
Found by Drew Mitchell on the site of the old Lassodie Brickworks. Lassodie appears never to have stamped their bricks. They are known to have manufactured 3 cored bricks. This brick was found on-site and is believed to be a product of the works. Note the textured stretcher face. Lassodie Brickworks, Braehead, Fife aka Kelty…
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…
Found by Ian Suddaby near Dalkeith. This example is not in my possession. Wemyss Brick Co. Various works in the Aberhill, Denbeath and Methil areas of Fife. WBC – Wemyss Brick Company – there is a suggestion from TM that the marks following the WBC represent the year and week no of that year, in…