Name/Title
Shearing HandpieceEntry/Object ID
8656Description
The "Australian Shearer " Made by Suckling Bell this handpiece runs on compressed air. In 1888 at the Sydney royal in a competition between the various (7) competing companies with handpiece inventions only the Wolseley and the suckling "Australian shearer" finished with the Australian shearer winning the contest on points. alas the Australian shearer didn't go on to become a competitive force in the industry due to issues with air pressure not being able to provide the power at the comb and cutter as mechanical drives could.
Bell was the engineer. Suckling provided to finance. This was built and designed in the railway workshops at, in Queensland. These are a spectacular model. Right up amongst the most sought after and rarest handpieces in Australia. This one is in wonderful condition.
