Demand for an 1817 flock identification book means it will sell for at least £900 at an online auction.
Bill Nelson from 1818 Auctioneers on the Cumbria Lancashire border says there’s been great interest in the first edition, calf bound book.
“A sheep farmer in Martindale, Joseph Walker, had the idea of collecting and publishing drawings and descriptions of the identification marks of sheep of the Cumberland fells,” said Bill.
“Since then, it has been expanded to cover Cumbria and has helped shepherds ensure that stray sheep are returned to their rightful owner.
“Sheep that graze on common land, land with no fences, learn from their mother which area is theirs to graze on, known as the heft. But they can go astray.
“Lug marks (ear notches) and smit marks (coloured stripes and spots on the fleece) ensure sheep are easily identified and returned to their native heft.
“The Shepherd’s Guide has been updated many times since Walker’s first edition, and is still in use by farmers today,” adds Bill.
The book is being sold by someone from Carlisle, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Anyone interested in finding out more, including to watch the bidding, should visit the auctions tab of the 1818 Auctioneers website, and look for the antique and rare book sale (2) and search lot 919.
The auction closes at 6.30pm on Sunday.
