Chimney Ball
Nairn Museum

Chimney balls, or chimney sweeps’ balls, were used for cleaning chimneys. They were commonly used in the eighteenth and nineteenth century and could be made from materials such as cork, wire mesh or even straw.

It is essentially a circular ball with a handle to be attached to a rope. The handle has been welded onto a piece of wire mesh. It would be dropped down the chimney from above, then repeatedly pulled back up to clear obstructions and debris in the chimney.

Nowadays they have been replaced by more advanced tools, including vacuum systems.

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Date: 1880s
Materials : Cast Iron, Wire, Mesh
Size : 22.5cm x 9cm

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