Paris Universal Exhibition - Stanley's Lawn Mowing Machine
The Exposition Universelle was held from 15 May to 15 November 1855. In its catalogue entry the Peterborough ironmonger William Proctor Stanley claimed to manufacture lawnmowers.
The listing includes an engraving of the "improved" mower which is by Jabez Hare, identical to the one used to illustrate Ferrabee's advertisements of the time. The description of "the wheels directly over the cutters" was used to describe Ferrabee's mowers and was also a feature of Samuelson & Co. lawnmowers in the company's Registered Improvement No. 3315 of 1852.
PARIS EXHIBITION.-Exhibitor's Rotation No. 155.
UNDER THE IMMEDIATE PATRONAGE OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT, AND HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH.
W. P. STANLEY, Agricultural Implement Maker, Queen Street Iron Works, Peterborough. ALL PRICES NET FOR CASH IN LONDON.
STANLEY'S Lawn-Mowing Machine.
It is 30 inches wide, and is fitted to be drawn by one horse. It performs the operations of mowing and rolling lawn and pleasure grounds to perfection.
Price £16. 10s.
W. P. STANLEY manufactures LAWN MOWING MACHINES of similar construction, to be worked by one man.
The Improved Lawn-Mowing Machine manufactured by W. P. STANLEY is most easy of management. It removes all the cut grass; and leaves no seam on the lawn.
STANLEY'S Lawn-Mower is provided with wheels, attached directly over the cutters; by the adjustment of which the length of cut of the grass is regulated. As these wheels, in combination with the large iron roller, give a broad base to the machine, it need only be pushed along before the operator, requiring no are whatever in handling. This substitution for the small wood Roller formerly used greatly reduces friction. A modification s also introduced into the spiral apparatus, which effectually does away with the tendency the cutters had to choke. The wood Roller is now used only in mowing narrow borders; and at that time the wheels are raised clear of the ground.
PRICES : -- £ s. d. Machine . 16 inches wide.. ........................... 5 10 0 '' 19 '' ........................... 5 17 6 '' 22 '' ........................... 6 0 0 '' 25 '' fitted to be drawn by a pony ........................... 9 0 0 PublicationExhibitionDateSourceHathi Trust/Paris Universal Exhibition Catalogue/1855/P334Link