A frog is the indentation found on the top face of a brick.
While it might sound like something out of a fairy tale, a brick frog serves a very practical purpose. It helps to:
- Bond bricks together: The indentation provides a better grip for the mortar, creating a stronger bond between bricks.
- Reduce brick weight: By removing a small amount of material, the brick becomes slightly lighter and easier to handle.
A Unique Mark
Interestingly, the variety of frog shapes on old bricks can often be traced back to their convict makers. During the era of convict transportation to Australia, each convict was assigned a quota of bricks to produce. To distinguish their work, they often imprinted unique marks or shapes, including the frog, into the wet clay. This practice allowed for identification of the brickmaker and provided a subtle form of personal expression in an otherwise harsh environment.
The broad arrow, a common mark found on many old bricks, is a symbol of government property. It was used to designate items owned by the
Crown and served as a deterrent against theft.
Convict-made bricks are a fascinating piece of Australian history. The unique characteristics, including the frog and often rough texture, make them highly sought after by collectors and builders alike.
Where can I buy convict frog bricks?
At Restoration Online we have a selection of reproduction convict bricks available. Learn more about our exciting new brick launch over on our blog.
