Dublin Core
Title
Hussey's Reaping Machine
Description
While others had previously submitted patents for harvesting machine, this one designed by Obed Hussey in 1833 is considered the first workable farm implement of its kind. Two horses and two workers could harvest grains at a much faster rate than handheld scythes--claims approaching twenty acres in a single day. Hussey's reaper is not so well known as the McCormick machine, yet for two decades a "War of the Reapers" was fought in field trials, patent offices, and even in Congress as the companies sought patent extensions. Hussey's design was considered superior due to a cutting mechanism that didn't jam, and better quality of manufacture. Obed's brother Thomas built them in Auburn, NY. Eventually the Hussey and McCormick designs were synthesized, and the mechanical reaper became a must-have farm implement.
Publisher
Thos. R. Hussey
Date
1848-07
Contributor
Shaw, Ethan
Source
Format
png, 643 KB
Type
Lithograph
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Lithograph