Leather hand-guard belonging to John Davidson, the inspiration for Souter Johnie
![](https://ciim-data.nts.org.uk/media/iiif/3/pf%2F1%2F389%2F83%2FD07081.ptif/full/!640,640/0/default.jpg)
Key details
- Object number
- 3.7506
- Date
- 1700 to 1799
- On display
- Yes
- Object number
- 3.7506
- Date
- 1700 to 1799
- On display
- Yes
Description
Mid-eighteenth century back leather hand-guard belonging to John Davidson, the inspiration for Souter Johnie. Davidson likely used this hand-guard to protect his hand while stitching.
Souter Johnie was the drinking companion of Tam O`Shanter and was based on a acquaintance of the Poet. John Davidson (1728-1806) was a shoemaker and was the prototype for the character in the poem. He resided at Glenfoot of Ardlochan, near Maidens and often visited the market in Ayr.
Object information
Acquisition
30 January 1907
Category
Material
Measurements
- Height: 6(cm)
- Width: 15(cm)