Many years ago, when smuggling was rife, some Wiltshire men were bringing home kegs of illegal brandy by moonlight. Crossing a bridge the donkey drawing the cart bolted and the barrels fell into the stream below.

While the yokels were trying to rescue the barrels with some hay rakes they found nearby, an excise officer rode up and started asking questions. The quick thinking yokels explained that they were raking for the cheese they could see in the water. The "ziseman", taken in by the story rode off thinking the stupid yokels were raking at the shadow of the moon. The floating barrels were soon retrieved and the title "Moonraker" has been linked to Wiltshire folk ever since.

In collaboration with Royal Worcester, Watsons have commissioned a Moonraker in the style of a nineteenth century candlesnuffer and this has been a popular gift for those with Wiltshire connections. In a numbered limited edition of 500 only, now nearly sold out, this model represents a unique opportunity to prolong the story of the Moonrakers!

Click here to purchase the Moonraker