OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories VICTA Models THE FIRST VICTA - 14 Inch Reel Mower

This post first appeared in 2013.
Here is an expanded article [now in the History Forum], that explores in-depth
this amazing - and enigmatic - little Victaw 14" reel lawnmower.

Administrator Deejay introduced the 2013 post this way:-

Hi to All,
I have been doing some research on early Victa history and have come across some information
that is very interesting; especially as my interests lay mainly with cylinder mowers.

It is common knowledge that Mervyn Victor Richardson tinkered with the rotary design of
lawnmower in the very early 50's and produced the "Peach Tin" as the prototype.
However...

An advertisement appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald dated the 1st March 1952 which reads:
"Victa 14" Mowers 1HP Villiers, Easy to use. 75 pounds 7 shilling and six pence.
Terms. VICTA MOWERS UF3093 Open all Saturday."

The exciting part is that it is not the "Billy Cart" Rotomo which was not advertised for sale
until September 1952, was an 18" rotary mower and sold for 39 pounds pus tax of 4 pounds
15 shillings and 6 pence. In fact, the official release date of the Rotomo was the 20th September 1952.

The first Victa advertised for sale in the SMH on the 1st March 1952 was in fact a cylinder mower!
It had a 1 HP Villiers motor. Notice the cast Victa badge with the 14 in the middle of the 'C'

Here's a pic...