G'day jackeo21

A Possible Breakthrough
In all its simplicity, this is an interesting project.
I can't say I have met a gal. finished base before.
And the symmetrical shape with the decorative pressed patterns
make it also look like an old - but lovable - kitchen sink!

AS I said, a manufacturer that had capacity for deep steel pressings.
This turned out to be the vital clue ...

I believe I have a manufacturer for you ... H.J. Ryan & Company.

�Speediecut Motor and Electric Lawnmowers, Grinders and Polishing Buffs,
Heel Tips and Toe Plates, Small Tools and Dies, Metal Stampings and Pressings.�
Directors: J S Ryan (Manager), W H Ryan, E Ryan
[Source: Who�s Who of Business, 1948.]

Ryan's purchased a site in 1954, off May Road, Mt. Roskill, where a spacious,
modern factory of 35,000 sq. ft. was erected.

In one lucky photo find of that company's factory we have a workman
operating a large finishing machine:-
[Linked Image]

Note how the pressing has the same unique decorative ribbing pattern?
I believe (and have argued) that Ryan's made NZ's first rotary mower,
the Speediescythe. They also made reel mowers - the Speediecut(s).

It would appear that the machine in the photo is clipping (shearing) the excess
metal from round the base. Finished bases are in the background. To be done
bases in the foreground. Amazing!

I date your machine to the late 1950s.
It was probably sold under Ryan's trade name 'Ryko'.
It would have been, I guess, an 'entry-level' lawnmower.

Your initial post in this topic mentioned 'Speediescythe' but
I discounted it at that time - as it was not like the first models.

I am glad you are spending time to conserve this rare machine.
And we now have a name for your lost mower: A Ryko Speediescythe!

---------------------
Jack

Last edited by CyberJack; 15/10/16 11:05 PM.