"Walking" Model A5 Lawn Sprinkler, 1940-1950

THF144232 / "Walking" Model A5 Lawn Sprinkler, 1940-1950
01

Artifact Overview

Homeowners who want green lawns have always needed a way to water them during dry weather. As suburban lots grew in size and number -- especially after World War II, when lawn care became an American obsession -- manufacturers developed innovative sprinklers to meet their needs. Shaped like a tractor, this cable-guided sprinkler "walked" as it watered.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Lawn sprinkler

Date Made

1939-1949

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2005.121.100

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Constance & James Levi.

Material

Cast iron
Brass (Alloy)
Plastic

Color

Green
Red
Silver (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 9.5 in
Diameter: 31.25 in (of sprinkler arms)
Width: 7.5 in
Length: 19.5 in

Inscriptions

on wheel: NATIONAL / LINCOLN, NEBR. / WALKING LAWN SPRINKLER / B3 & A5 / XWE on proper left side of body of tractor: PATENTED / MODEL A5 on proper right side of body of tractor: WALKING / SPRINKLER / NATIONAL / MFG. CO. / LINCOLN, NEBR. below shaft to sprayer: OIL ME