Description:In an age before tractors or even steam engines were used in farming, every advance in agricultural technology promised a better, more profitable crop.
The makers of T.I. Plucknett's mowing and reaping machine used rather scientific-sounding language to promote win over potential buyers:
"Calculated to cut any description of grass, corn etc.
"By the rapidity of its execution whole crops may be saved & great expenses avoided.
"It may be successfully used in America, East and West Indies, for cutting Guinea Grass, Sugar Canes &c. which would save immense Manual Labour.
"Every description of agricultural instruments and Iron Work made to order."
Yet another agricultural product was promoted on the reverse. In fact, Enoch Wood described the fields of Burslem as like "velvet," so perhaps machines like this one were once used in the midst of what is now Stoke-on-Trent's industrial heart.
About this document
Burslem pottery manufacturer Enoch Wood collected this document, and it is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.