Ferrabee Improved No 7638

Ferrabee Improved No 7638 is a 12in model with the correct front cast-iron castors. The maker's name J. Ferrabee & Co. is cast into one of the side frames.

The 12in model was designed for use by one man or a boy. It was the smallest/narrowest model made by the company. For easy ordering reference, Ferrabee designated alphabetic size numbers to the mowers (possibly a first for lawnmowers). The price in 1858 was £4 5s, rising to £4 10s in 1859.

This example was made c1858 and is one of only five lawnmowers known to exist that were made by the original manufacturer. It is also one of the oldest lawnmowers not on display in a museum. It is exhibited regularly at events in the UK.

For many years, this mower was on display at Thomas Green's showroom in London, albeit wrongly labelled as a Greens.