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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

AUTOMATON

A range of mowers by Ransomes of Ipswich. The gear-driven "Automaton" appeared in 1867 made by Ransomes, Sims & Head in the 1870s and was produced in a wide range of sizes. In 1885 Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies produced the gear-driven "New Automaton" which won silver medals at the 1885 Inventions Exhibition and at the Liverpool Exhibition the following year. These latter machines were available in sizes from 8 to 24 inches and prices in 1886 ranged from £2.5.0d to £10.10.0d. Shortly after this the "Chain Automaton" was offered alongside the gear-driven models. In 1894 the two mowers were redesignated "Patent Chain Automaton" and "Patent Gear Automaton" and as such continued to be made into the 20th century. Collectors should note that only early Ransomes, Sims & Head machines had exposed gearing, although many later machines have lost their gear covers.