Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, circa 1854
THF95493 / Manny's Combined Reaper and Mower, circa 1854
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Artifact Overview
John Manny developed this reaper in 1853 in Rockford, Illinois. It was the first to successfully challenge the Cyrus McCormick Company's dominance in reaper manufacture. Sued for patent infringement by McCormick in 1854, Manny won, paving the way for other manufacturers, and a broad expansion of the industry. Included in Manny's legal team was a young Illinois lawyer, Abraham Lincoln.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Reaper
Date Made
circa 1854
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Manufactured by Walter A. Wood Mowing and Reaping Machine Company, Hoosick Falls, New York based on patented designs by John H. Manny
Location
at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery
Object ID
25.75.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Iron (Metal)
Dimensions
Height: 65 in
Width: 100 in
Length: 192 in (72" without tongue)
Weight: 840 lbs
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