POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

A metal sheep shearing comb for a set of machine shears.

Object No. B812-14

This sheep shearing comb on a board of 28 combs and cutters is evidence of a multi-player experimental program that began in the 1800s and continues today. Determining the best shape for these key components of sheep shears has depended on trial and error rather than scientific analysis. These objects, made before 1938 by an unknown inventor, remind us of battles between narrow and wide combs and between rotary cutters (the toothed discs) and reciprocating cutters, which move across the comb from side to side (the winners, but not represented here). Debbie Rudder

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Summary

Object Statement

Sheep shearing comb (1 of 28) mounted on board, metal, maker unknown, Australia, date unknown

Physical Description

Sheep shearing comb designed to be used with machine shears. The comb consists of a rectangular metal blade with jagged teeth running across the top of the blade. The shearing comb is mounted on a backing board with twenty-seven other combs.

DIMENSIONS

Height

382 mm

Width

535 mm

Depth

10 mm

SOURCE

Acquisition Date

17 October 1939

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