eHive - Food Museum

Name/TitleSelf-Binding Reaper

About this objectA self-binding reaper used by the donor and his two brothers from the early 1950s to 1963. This reaper was chiefly for harvesting grain, although on its last use it was used for harvesting kale seed. The brothers used it on their own farm at Cockfield although also did some contracting work for other farmers within a 20-mile radius. It is an Albion reaper, with rubber wheels; the cutter has 27 teeth, each stamped ALBION.

MakerHarrison McGregor & Co. Ltd

Maker RoleManufacturer

Place MadeAlbion Iron Works, Leigh, Lancashire

Medium and MaterialsRubber wheels

Inscription and MarksThe cutter has 27 teeth each stamped ALBION

There is an inscription on canvas 1, which partly reads, "Upper Elevator"; the rest is illegible.

MeasurementsLength of Body: 12 foot
Greatest Width: 6 foot 10 inches
Total Height of Frame: 7 foot 6 inches
Reel -
Spindle: 7 foot 4 inches
Spokes: 2 foot 10 inches
Fans: 6 foot 4 inches x 2 1/2 inches x 1/2 inch
Platform: 6 foot 6 inches x 4 foot 2 inches (wide)
Elevator: 3 foot 5 inches x 4 foot 6 inches (wide)
Deck: 2 foot 9 inches x 5 foot 8 inches (wide)
Wheels: 1 foot 7 inches x 4 1/2 inches
Track: 6 inches
Drum: 3 foot x 9 inches (wide)
Front Wheel: 2 foot 2 inches x 3 inches (8 spokes)

Metric measurements:
Canvas 1- L:200cm x W:115cm
Canvas 2- L:351cm x W:103.5cm
Canvas 3- L:211cm x W:115.3cm
Canvas 4- L:213cm x W:132.9cm

Object numberSTMEA:A.4796