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This is a small hand seed drill used for sowing seeds in rows. It consists of a metal wheel and seed container attached to a wooden pole handle. It bears the inscription: 'A.W. Gower + Son // Brittania Works // MARKET DRAYTON // GOWER'S PATENT'.

1 seed drill: metal; wood; good condition

MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Institute of Agricultural History) – 'Standard museum name: // Accession number: // Classification: // Negative number: // Acquisition method: // Acquired from, date: ... // Store: // Condition: // Recorder, date: // Description: // Dimensions: // Associated information: "A small wheel drill made by Jonas Harris. He grew beans in drills (rows) and made this drill to sow turnips between the rows after the last hoeing so that there was some sheep [illegible word] when the beans were harvested. // References: 'MERL Trade Records: TR REE P2/B 1178 Gower's Catalogue // New Patent Garden, Patching + Allotment Drill. //, MERL miscellaneous note - 'First shown at Bury St. Edmunds Royal Agricultural Show in 1867.', Object research project, Further Afield, February 2024 - The accession file contains an advert for the drill with details about its patent. The advert explains how the implement was used for patching gaps between turnips and Mangolds but can also be used for dill onions, carrots, parsnips and other small seeds.

Market Drayton

1825-01-01 - 1874-12-31

Mid-nineteenth century

Wood, Metal

A. W. Gower & Son (Corporate Body)