Allen Scythe Dating
Query from a non-member in Australia trying to date an Allen Scythe with serial number 56958.
Any suggestions on the date?
And before anyone says, I know it's not what many people consider to be a "lawn" mower but we have had that discussion many times before.
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Hi Keith m, to be honest I
Hi Keith, to be honest I don't mind discussing the Oxford Allen Scythe even though some may say it's not a true mower. At least it's an 'Old ' machine and not a 1990's 'Old' machine. Looking at the number on mine which is 37602 ( 1947 ) I would date it at about 1948/9. Unfortunately I don't have access to the manufacturers ledgers and it could possibly be a little after that but it's certainly around those dates. Sorry I can't pin it down more precisely. I hope that helps.
Interesting, all I can add
Interesting, all I can add which may be of use for those dating later machines is we have machine No. 112210 with its purchase receipt Aug 1964 cost £110.
Therefore a rather crude figure would be that sales between 1947 based on Sean's No & mine 1964 gives average annual sales of 4400pa over the 17yr period, this would of course vary on the machines popularity.
I have moved on several older machines having favoured the one from 1964, due to having a bit of provenance including a photo of the owners son who passed it to me posing with it 55yrs ago. Also I remember using one on the farm myself around the same time when I was 11or 12yrs old.
If anyone is interested in some replacement blades, serrated style, I have 200+ brand new!!
Very interesting, Clive -
Very interesting, Clive - mine is 111989, so only about 221 away - I wonder how many were in Cowley Works at any one time? I am absolutely not interested in blades because I'm not doing anything to it until I have re-done the Atco Standard... which is why I've ultrasonic-cleaned the carb, bought a new cooling fan, new forestry guards... arggh, madness looms!
Incidentally I happened across this earlier:
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19049252.john-allen-son-machines-oxfo…
Thanks to everyone for their
Thanks to everyone for their contributions here.
I know the original correspondent is monitoring the thread and appreciates the information you have provided.
Well, hellooo, Allen Scythe,
Well, hellooo, Allen Scythe, fancy a drink, love?
Oh, sorry, wrong sort of dating! I have emailed Keith, but for general benefit the chap for Allen Scythes is OLC member Chris Eames - but not a man to try contacting online.
While I am here, has anyone got a photo of a mesh flywheel pulley cover in place on a Villiers Mk25 (4-stroke) or an Allen Scythe? I've just bought one from George at Villiers Parts and it's huge - much bigger than I expected. Would be interested to know if I've actually got the right thing.
PS If you let your lawn grow long enough, you'll need an Allen Scythe - good enough for me!