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The Hills Archimedean "Charter Oak" Lawn Mower, 1872-1900

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Artifact Overview

Lawns require regular maintenance. First patented in the United States in 1868, cylinder- or reel-type mowers became an enduring, affordable option for anyone with a small lawn. The basic form consisted of blades that rotated around a horizontal axis, cutting the grass as the user pushed the machine. Advertisements touted this "Charter Oak" model as "the most beautiful and perfect Lawn Mower in the world."

Artifact Details

Artifact

Lawn mower

Date Made

1872-1900

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.3.7738

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cast iron
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Black (Color)
Red

Dimensions

Height: 33 in
Width: 19.5 in
Length: 51 in

Inscriptions

on side: CHARTER OAK / 1875 / 65 on side:PAT. JAN' 28. JULY 14 1868. MAR. 16 1869. / JUNE 20, 1871. APR' 9. 1872. on crossbar: CHARTER / OAK on bracket: 63