Budding Patent Model

This recently discovered model of an early Budding Patent Lawnmower is believed to be unique. From the overall design it would appear to date from no later than 1843 and as such this would make it older than any of the Budding Patent Lawnmowers known to exist.

The earliest mention so far found of a model of Budding's mower is in 1836, where a model is listed as being presented at an exhibition which took place at The Museum of National Manufactures at 28 Leicester Square, London. It is not known whether that model is this one. 

Mention of a salesman's model also appears in the late 1840s in descriptions of various Royal Agricultural Society meetings held throughout the country. It is first pictured in an engraving in The Gardeners Chronicle in 1849 by the famous engraver Jabez Hare. It is possible, perhaps even likely, that Hare used the model when creating his engravings because the distinct wooden rear roller is unique to this miniature example. 

As well as the rear roller another difference is the Budding's Patent lettering which, rather than being cast onto the handles as in the full size mowers, is etched into brass or bronze panels that are soldered into the side frames. Maybe the correct lettering was too small to cast accurately on the frames or maybe the model was pre-production and the lettering was fitted after the first mowers were made. 

Certainly the model is not just for show as the cylinder, gearing, and roller all work with precision.

Clive Gravett of the Museum of Gardening in Sussex and an expert on Edwin Budding and early lawnmowers discovered the model in the possession of a descendent of John Ferrabee. It is now on display at the Museum in the Park, Stroud.