Hello ODK history lovers

This is the story of the Hornet Lawnmower Manufacturing Company of 175 King Street, Mascot, Sydney.
They manufactured reel and rotary lawnmowers in the 1950s. This post addresses their reel mowers.

It would appear that Hornet started manufacturing in about 1951. However, they originally sold machines under their
original name, Anderson Brothers.

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When I say 'manufactured' I do not mean total manufacture of the lawnmower, at least in respect of their reel mowers.
Hornet would use the Qualcast Blue Ribbon side-wheel hand mowers to produce their electric Blue Hornet Mower.
Hornet would use the Qualcast Panther roller mower to produce electric, and then petrol Hornet Motor Mowers.

THE BLUE HORNET
In one of the few records I have, notice how the lawnmower is marketed as though it were of total Qualcast
manufacture: It's the Qualcast Blue Hornet. In most advertisements, though, it is represented as being a
Blue Hornet Electric Mower (with no reference to Qualcast).

NOTE in the advertisement below that the side-wheel is self-propelling. This was quite unusual,
given that the competition machine's electric motor powered just the reel. Here I am specifically thinking of
Pope Products' Centre Court. Interestingly, The Blue Hornet's motor cover looks remarkably similar to that machine.

Note also that the record makes reference to a 'Flex Safety Arm that keeps flex clear of the blades.'
That arm is not illustrated, but would have been a short swing arm hinged from the handle (I guess).

[Linked Image]

TO BE CONTINUED ...