Antique Reel Mower

[WD_Fan07]

Found an old reel mower in a barn and I"m curious about its history. The wheel reads "SIMMONS HOWE CO. OAK LEAF" Anybody know anything about this brand?

 

[MBU]

Hmmmm... typed "SIMMONS HOWE CO. OAK LEAF" into Google and got your posts! (big grin).

Are there any patent numbers on it anywhere?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have an adjustable wrench that is marked Simmons Hardware Co. I'm told, but cannot attest to the truth of it, that Simmons was owned by Winchester.

The adjustable wrench is a "Keen Kutter" according to the markings on it.

Hmmmm, I wonder if the wrench came with a mower, by chance?

Charles

 

[WD_Fan07]

I can"t find any, but the back of the right-hand wheel plate says V2 on the top and Made in U.S.A. on the bottom, and the stationary blade says 16 in. and 1931. The left hand wheel says BALL BEARING on the back.

 

[Paul N Texas]

Do a search for Great States, and you should find a site in Shelbyville, Indiana. They did have some very good information on not only their brand, but some of the others. At least a starting place. I have a Great States I bought for 50 cents at a junk shop. Was badly rusted, and the wood was gone. Brought it home, soaked it in auto trans fluid for a couple of weeks, and got things to loosen up. Disassembled it, sand blasted, painted, and sharpened the blades. Made new handle and roller from oak. It is now a conversation piece in the front yard. Most who stop in for a visit, just have to try it. Cuts down on the mowing a bunch! I had to have and restore one of these, as I am from Shelbyville. My Dad did some of the tool work for Great States, and I knew many of the workers over the years. When I worked at the Cadillac Dealership up there,I worked with the guy who pinstriped all the handles ...