The Old Lawnmower Club
Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

Preparing the Oval pitch for the 1932 season

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Adrian

 Hopefully this is the right place for this...

An article on the Oval's groundsman "Bosser" Martin, the man disappointed that England didn't try foi 1000 runs in the 1938 Test (they boringly declared on 903-7). Scroll down and there's a pic of the pitch being prepared for the 1932 season - is that a Silens Messor I see? 

https://oldebor.wordpress.com/2022/05/31/it-could-go-on-till-christmas-…

Forums

Clive1997 Mon, 24/08/2026

Thats a great bit of information, just had a quick look, the grassbox indicates it may be a Shanks, will have a closer look later.

Mowing Wurzel Mon, 24/08/2026

Thank you Adrian for post,  I would say by the shape and design of the box, it is a Shanks of Arbroath Mower.

Alexander Shanks Jnr. Was the Second company to manufacture Lawnmowers,  they started in 1841 and Patented a design in 1842. 

Clive1997 Mon, 24/08/2026

Had a closer look, although not that clear I would say with that box it is a Shanks which had a central handle to lift the box where that guy at the front has his left hand. also the shape of the box. If so it would probably be a Shanks Standard Chain 1902-1935, they did offer a fine cut machine in the 1923 catalogue for bowling greens, with models in 14,16 & 19in cutting widths. Whilst the box shape is similar to the catalogue entry for the Standard Gear & the Standard Chain has the drive on the right in catalogue these could have easily changed during the 30yrs+ of production. Happy to hear any other views.