Historical information

The wire strainer was commonly used on Australian farming properties for putting fences up.

Significance

Sure Grip Wire Strainers were advertised in Australia from 1917 to 1953. The distinctive grips were patented in Britain in 1913 (William Swann, (spring, hook and chain manufacturer, Walsall,in England).Improvements in or relating to means for gripping wire or the like: British patent 24,520/13. 29 October 1913.

Physical description

Steel bar with 2 interlocking grips for fastening the wire.

Inscriptions & markings

Corroded marking about halfway along the lever.