OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums The History Forum Model Histories UK & EUROPEAN Reel Hand-Mowers WEBB - Miniature Mower - c1957

Hello ODK History Lovers

One desirable lawnmower, made by the old and established H.C. Webb of Birmingham,
England, would be the Webb Miniature (toy) Lawnmower that sold from about 1957.

It is significant that H.C. Webb, a company dating back to 1848, made this toy
itself. This was the real McCoy; not some toy manufacturer's piggyback product.
Like most old companies, Webb had a chequered career in products, including
bicycle and motor cycle components. Webb began lawnmower manufacture in the
late 1920s (see Related Links).



TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART TWO - Dating & Detail

Evidence suggests that the Webb Miniature was introduced in 1957.
The Australian Cumberland Argus of May, 1957 says in the article "It's Child's Play"
that the Miniature was first shown at the British Industries Fair, at Birmingham,
held in the same month, May 6th to the 17th. I reproduce that article below:-




I love the way gender stereotypes are played with here - and rightly so!

This toy was made with the same processes used in lawnmower production.
Note that Webb claimed to produce -the first steel lawnmower,- and this toy
had a slipping belt drive (for child safety), with adjustable handles and
front roller height. What great training in dexterity for growing children =
to use spanners to do this!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

PART THREE - Advertisements & Brochure

Webb did a brilliant thing. Perhaps one of the earliest mower manufacturers to
realize the power of "pester power" - the established fact that children
have an enormous influence on the parent's buying habits.

The Webb Miniature was advertised as a lawnmower - with its own brochure
and advertising. What magic if a kid could walk alongside Mum or Dad in
mowing the lawn ... both with Webb products!

Here is a Webb Miniature brochure and advertisement:-

PART FOUR - Analysis & Comment

It is not surprising that many lawnmower collectors also share a passion for
early toy collecting. I guess they are complimentary hobbies, and many a child
may have been introduced to the world of lawnmowers through a toy lawnmower
they once had and cherished.

These are highly collectible and fetch considerable money when they come up
for auction. They represent a time in history when the lawnmower was considered
a key component of any household with a lawn and garden, and this little lawnmower
represents the child within all of us.

The rest is history.
-------------------------------------
Jack

2016 auction photos - UK

Victoria & Albert Museum entry:
http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1193114/the-webb-miniature-toy-lawnmower-hc-webb-co/

Grace's Guide entry on H.C. Webb:
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/H._C._Webb_and_Co

A very miniature mower:
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/u...mallest_REEL_MOWER_IN_THE.html#Post51827


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