Salesman's Model of Harvester

Model

Genesee Country Village & Museum

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

2024.14.001

Description

A salesman's model of " The Gordon Self Raking and Binding Harvester". Patented May 12, 1868 by James Fraser Gordon.

Context

On May 12, 1868, Gordon received his first patent for his "Self Raking and Binding Harvester". This machine was vital to farms and greatly increased their productivity. Before this a reaper could be used to harvest hay but five to seven men would be needed to bind it, a long arduous task. His design was so valued that it was used by other harvesting equipment manufacturers, often without permission. In 1882, Gordon sued the large McCormack Harvester Machine Company that was based in Chicago. D. M. Osbourne, a manufacturer out of Auburn, New York, supported Gordon, bought interest in his company, and joined the suit. Gordon and the others in his suit were each awarded almost a quarter of a million dollars. In 1886, he received another patent for continued improvements on the machine that changed the lives of so many farmers.

Collection

Genesee Country Village and Museum

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Manufacturer's Mark

Transcription

The Gordon Self Raking and Binder Harvester, Pat'd May 12, 1886

Lexicon

Search Terms

Harvester, James F. Gordon, James Fraser Gordon, Reaper, Model, Salesman's model

Dimensions

Width

13 in

Length

27 in

Dimension Notes

The trace adds 27 " to the width when attached

Parts

Count

Parts

Large model .001a, reel .001b, trace .001c

Material

Metal, Wood

Relationships

Related Entries

Notes

2024.14.002 Medal

Notes

2024.14.003 Framed Photograph

Notes

2024.14.004 Letters Patent