80/55

Sims & Jefferies Ltd. Ransomes (Manufacturer)

This lawnmower was originally owned by Mr Burrell who died in 1970, aged 96. This was his first lawn mower. He was Chairman of Wokingham Rural District Council (RDC) for a time. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries Ltd. were the manufacturers of this lawnmower and 'Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries, Ipswich, England' is cast on the side frames.

1 lawnmower: good condition.

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: Lawnmower // Accession number: 80/55 // Classification: Garden Tools // Negative number: 60/14365 // Acquisition method: Gift // Acquired from, date: W. Y. Harper [...] // Store: Camp // Condition: Good // Recorder, date: DJE, 5.9.80 // Description: Chain drive from axle of rear to the cutting blades axle. The cutters are made in two sections set at different angles (designed to deliver the cut grass into the centre of the box). The front roller and cutting cylinder are both adjustable. 'Ransomes, Sims & Jeffries, Ipswich, England' is cast on the side frames. Front rollers and handle grips are of ash, the rest is steel painted green. // Dimensions: Width (across front rollers) 42cms // Length 46cms. Overall height 80cms. // Associated information: Originally owned by a Mr Burrell who died aged 96 ten years ago. This was his first lawn mower. He was Chairman of Wokingham RDC at one time. // References:', Letter, MERL to Mr. W. Y. Harper, 14 May 1980 – 'Dear Mr Harper, // Thank you for offering the Ransomes lawn mower to the Museum. We do have a number of lawnmowers in the collections already, and most of them were made by Ransomes. It is a little difficult, therefore, for me to say definitely whether we would like yours or not, for much would depend upon the type and condition. If it is convenient for you to bring it in one day, then I would be able to make a decision on the spot. A phone call before you come would ensure that I am here to see you. // Yours sincerely, // Roy D. Brigden // Keeper // [pencil] Originally owned by Chairman of Wokingham R.D.C. [?] of [?] Regatta for 40 years. Died 10 years ago aged 96, this was first lawnmower. Mr Burrell'

Ipswich