PART THREE - Analysis & Conclusion

I believe the Bunyip was probably made by Qualcast (Australia) as an exclusive
store brand for Nock & Kirby. The specification of Qualcast's Model H and the
Bunyip are indeed similar: 5 blades of Sheffield steel, 9" driving wheels,
'saw blade steel' bottom blade ... 3 years' guarantee.

[Linked Image]

The name 'Bunyip' is uniquely Australian. A Bunyip is a "large mythical
creature from Australian Aboriginal mythology, said to lurk in swamps,
billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes" (Wikipedia). The mere
naming of a lawnmower with a uniquely Australian name does suggest
Australian manufacture ... but that suggestion (in vintage mowers) has
often proved misleading; with many opportunistic sellers attaching Ozzie
names to imported machines. In this case, it was an ambiguous clue.

The Bunyip was sold post war, and it appears it did not change its
specification. Given that fact, its days were numbered. New lawnmower
designs with their tubular handles, rubber tyres, and lightweight
construction, were emerging from the likes of Ogden and Pope. Most
importantly, the hand mower days were now numbered by the impending
powered mower revolution. The last advertising record I have dates from
early 1954. Note that the Bunyip sits alongside powered lawnmowers from
Ransomes, Pope and Tecnico.

[Linked Image]

The Bunyip is an important lawnmower - less so in its design - but more so
in that it is an early example of a store branded machine, made in Australia,
and one sold by the great Nock & Kirby.

The rest is history.
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Jack