Many devices were sold for the amateur to sharpen mower blades. This rare item was sold in the 1930’s, made by The Carborundum Co. In 1891, Edward Goodrich Acheson a scientist from Monongahela City, Pennsylvania, was trying to duplicate diamonds using electricity. A combination of Aluminium oxide and carbon created small crystals that could cut glass, he called it Carborundum. The crystals were actually silicon carbide, the world's first artificially produced mineral.

A remarkable lawnmower poster from 1876, found in the envelope it was posted in. Colours are perfect, large size of approximately 1200 x 800mm.

In 1841 the first mower requiring equine power to pull was introduced, here we have examples of some lawn boots held in our collection. These were designed to avoid hoof prints on the lawn or sports pitch. A pair of large horse boots 20cm diameter, a pair of Coles Patent open shoes 12cmd & a set of four donkey boots 10cmd; note they are marked Fore & Hind! Advertisements in the late 1800’s supplied made to measure boots and suggested standing the animal on a sheet of paper drawing round the hoof