The Hills Archimedean "Charter Oak" Lawn Mower, 1872-1900
Add to SetSummary
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."
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
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
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