Object number
98/12
Creator
Description
This seed fiddle is complete with bow, string, bag and strap. The red stain is in good order and the pattern of black lines is visible. There is also the inscription: 'THE AERO // BROADCAST // SEED SOWER// DLK'. The object was used for sowing seeds by casting with rotating wheel powered by hand.
Physical description
1 seed fiddle: wood; metal; sack; very good conditionInscribed in black lettering on side of implement 'The Aero Reg'd Broadcast Seed Sower, D. L. K.'.
Label Text
Seed fiddle. This seed fiddle was made by DLK of Kilmarnock, possibly in the 1950s. This particular model is named 'The Aero' and was used by a smallholder in Haddiscoe, Norfolk. Seed fiddles were invented around 1850 in the USA. Moving the device's bow backwards and forwards would drop seeds onto a spinning disc which were scattered in a wide arc. It was hand powered and therefore a direct improvement on hand sowing. Making its way into the UK in the 20th century, the seed fiddle was popular on small farms where seed drills and tractors were not cost efficient. They were typically used to broadcast grass and clover seed.4. Seed fiddle. The seed fiddle was an improved method of broadcasting seed that was developed in America in the second half of the nineteenth century. By moving a bow at the front of the device backwards and forwards, seed dropped onto a spinning disc and was scattered evenly forwards in a wide arc. A British version of the seed fiddle, 'The Aero', was made in Scotland into the 1950s and found favour especially on small farms for broadcasting grass and clover seed. 98/12.
Archival history
MERL Miscellaneous note-Georgia Charitou-7 November 2014- This scythe formed part of the collection of items once in the possession of George Arthur Squires (1912-1990). George Arthur Squires was a small holder/ poultry farmer at Haddiscoe, Norfolk. He was a journalist who wrote on povetry matters and also for the East Anglian magazine.
Object name
Material
Technique
Associated subject
