Object number
73/180
Description
This is 'The Perfection Aero Sower' fiddle. The seed box and frame is painted red. There is an upright support at back, right side of box holding canvas shoulder strap. Hesian bag patched in two places. Seed apertine inside box adjusts by means of lever on left hand side of fiddle.
Label Text
Seed fiddle. This is the 'Perfection Aero Sower', a seed fiddle used in Cornwall. Seeds would be stored in the hessian sack and dropped onto the metal plate, which would be rotated via the wooden handle, dispersing seeds in an arc in front of the sower. Seed fiddles were an improvement on broadcasting by hand as they allowed for greater dispersal and an even spread. They were named 'fiddles' because drawing the handle back and forth was reminiscent of playing the musical instrument.
Archival history
MERL Catalogue Form (temporary) – ‘Fiddle // Inscription: The “Perfection” Aero Sower // Mr George Benney, Lower Peripol, Mawrian Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall // Description: Seed box and frame: wood, painted red. Upright support at back, right side of box holding canvas shoulder strap. Hesian bag patched in two places. Seed apertine inside box adjusts by means of lever on left hand side of fiddle. Raised caps. 1 to 10 on bar beneath lever. Metal dispersal disc with six raised fins beneath aperture, revolved by action of wooden bow and leather strip. Purchased by donor at a sale near St Austell’
Object name
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_11970.tif - High resolution image
