Artifact: Antique Scythe
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Collection: Washington Area Spark via Flickr
License: CC BY-NC 2.0
Ledger Entry: Scythe
Department: Agricultural
Customer: John Cussine
Ledger Page: 95
Imported From: Scythes were imported from the production centers of Belbroughton in the district of Worcestershire, England and Norton in the county of County Durham, England.
Product Description
A scythe is an agricultural tool consisting of a curved steel blade on a long handle. They are used to reap grains and mow grass. The long handle with the blade at the bottom made the process of reaping grain more efficient because the user was not required to stoop in the manner necessary to use a sickle.
Citation: Olmstead, Alan L. and Rhode Paul W. “Agricultural Technology” in The Oxford Encyclopedia of the History of American Science, Medicine, and Technology. Oxford University Press, 2014.; “Scythes” in The Oxford Companion to Family and Local History, edited by Hey, David. : Oxford University Press, 2008.
Historical Price: 4 shillings; Modern USD: $44.8
Product Variations
The databases record fifteen scythes, three of which are sold with scythe stones for sharpening. Their prices range from four to five shillings each.
