Hand operated winnowing machine
Hand operated winnowing machine
Name/Title
Hand operated winnowing machineEntry/Object ID
2025.1.368Description
Small hand operated winnowing machine, with handle to operate a paddle which enables an air flow to 'winnow' the grain. One wooden panel above the hopper is stamped 'Little Gem Blower'.Context
The first winnowing windmill dates back to the 17th century but had a precursor in China. This machine was made by Thomas Corbett (1846-1917). HIs father Samuel Corbett was a blacksmith who started making ploughs in Wellington Shropshire. Over the next 50 years he and his son William went on to develop and manufacture an extensive range of agricultural machinery. Thomas set up his own workshop at The Perseverance Ironworks, in Shrewsbury in direct competition to his father and brother. He was only 20 years old. He too made a wide variety of items from name plates to winnowers. This was a time referred to as 'high farming' where new technology was used to increase production. However by the 1870s agriculture was hit by a depression and the Corbetts and every other agricultural company had to sell their products through advertising and through agricultural shows. Thomas Corbett boasted he had won over 750 "Royal prizes" between 1865 and 1897. King George V visited his stand at the Shrewsbury Royal Show in 1914. However despite his many accolades his business began to decline through lack of adaptability and it was wound up by his executors 1929. The descendants of Samuel and William continued manufacturing till 1974. (Reference: Bapty, T., The Corbetts are ‘victorious over all’: agricultural implement making in Shropshire, c.1860 to 1914)Category
Horticultural Sundries, Tools