Month: April 2024

Displenishing sales provide an insight into the implements and machines that were being used on a farm when the tenant was leaving a particular farm. They can show the type of agriculture practiced as well as the range of implements and machines used. They can also show whether the Farm was using new and innovative ones or were relying on older ones.

By the late 1940s farm mechanisation was making in-roads on Scottish farms. There was an emphasis on tractor power and using a wide-range of implements and machines for crop and animal husbandry, though horse power and horse-drawn implements still continued to be used. Some farms invested in tractors with their associated name-sake implements and machines.

The following displenishing sale notices for farms in north-east Scotland show the level of mechanisation on these farms, the different types of implements and machines as well as in some cases their makers – who tended to be leading and well-known ones.

Mains of Bellyhack, Botriphine, Keith, on 11 October 1947 (Aberdeen press and journal, 8 October 1947)

Implements- Fordson Major (rubbers and straiks, 1946), tractor plough (Sellars, B.D.F.), tractor grubber, tractor yokes, tractor tipping bogie on rubbers (Standfast, as new), Bisset binder (tractor attachments), 4 single ploughs, 2 drill do., 3 sets iron harrows, 2 sets wooden do., 3 drill harrow, 1 3-drill harrow horse grubber, broadcast sower, manure sower (Auchinachie and Simpson), turnip sower (Sellars), metal roller, 2 stone do., mower (Wallace, as new), reaper, 3 box carts and frames, wood do., and creels, 2 sledges, cart body, horse lorry (rubber tyred), 2 box barrows, peat do., sack do., barn fan, Bessemer and weights, oilcake breaker, 5 ladders, wire strainer, horse rake (in good order), corn sizer, 230 gal), paraffin tank 25 gal., do, portable henhouses, chicken coops, harness for 2 pair horses; also ploughing match set of harness (good), Clydesdale Stud Book and a large quantity of minor hand tools, dipper, Cooper swing bath, 12 rolls pig wire, quantity wire netting and fencing posts, rails, stack kilns, etc.

Meetlaw, Drumlithie, on 21 October 1947 (Aberdeen press and journal, 16 October 1947)

Implements- box cart with tops (rubbers), long cart on rubbers, turnip sower, 110a plough, D.B. plough, 3 drill scrapers, S.T. harrows, Planet cultivator, circular harrows, 9ft metal roller, harrows, chain harrows, barrow, 2 cattle troughs, 2 ladders, steelyard and weights, bushel, potato bagger, riddle and stand, stack cover, sowing sheet, Esparto rope, scythe, lanterns, riddles, graips, shovels, picks, forks, hoes, Mell wire strainer, bosses and props; also harness for 2 horses and 2 stacks of hay, and the usual minor hand tools.

Laes of Arbuthnott, Fordoun, on 25 October 1947 (Aberdeen press and journal, 16 October 1947)

Implements – 3 box carts on rubbers, long cart on rubbers, Johnston binder, Bamford mower, Bamford rake, Jay paddock, Garvie broadcast, McCormick driller, Blackstone potato digger, Sellar turnip sower, 2 horse grubber, Ransome cultivator, S.T. harrow, 2 metal rollers, 3 single and 3 D.B. ploughs, 2 brake iron harrows, 2 scrapers, turnip cutting cart, turnip hasher, barn fan, steelyard and weights, grindstone, sack barrow, bushel and straik, ladders, 20 rolls sheep netting, potato boxes, 2 stack covers (15×15), portable henhouses, 3 stacks of hay, harness for two pairs horses, sundry tools etc.

Touxhill, Auchnagatt, on 8 November 1947 (Aberdeen press and journal, 28 October 1947)

Implements-Fordson tractor with belt pulley, 6ft Massey-Harris binder, tractor cart, tractor grubber, hay sweep, spring tine harrows, Martin cultivator, Massey-Harris tractor plough, tractor harrows, 3 box carts, 3 sets C. and P. harness. 2 manure distributors, T.S.M.P. plough, shim, iron harrows, chain harrows, scarifier, Moulder turnip sower, stack posts, steelyard and weights, potato sculls, scythes, spades, graips, shovels, brushes, forks, hammers, wire stretcher, mall, coir yarn, turnip hasher, stack cover, ladders, barrows, pails, lanterns, smithy bellows, anvil, vie, 1 200 gallon paraffin drum, 5 50-gallon paraffin drums.

Trees, Netherley, Stonehaven, on 8 November 1947 (Aberdeen press and journal, 31 October 1947)

Tractor implements- 10.20 International tractor, David Brown tractor (both on rubbers with pulley and power take-off and fitted with lights), spare 12 in pulley for International, front and wheel rear wheels for David Brown tractor, set of Bower straiks to fit 11.25×24 centres, pair of chains for tractor rear wheels, Massey-Harris grain and fertiliser combine (15 row almost new), Massey-Harris 2 furrow plough, set of harrows and yoke, set of rollers, set of heavy rollers, Bisset binder (5 ft cut, with converted handles), Deering binder (5ft cut), spring tooth harrow, 3 drill (Ogg, Muchalls), ridger fitted for a David Brown tractor, tractor bogie, Ransome cultivator, Jack manure distributor, Wallace potato digger, body, wheels and screw for a tractor cart, endless mill belt, circular saw.

Horse implements-2 box carts (1 on rubbers), 2 long carts, Hoosier driller (15 row), Deering horse rake, Sellar turnip sower, Albion mower, Sellar grubber, 2 sets chain harrows, 110a plough, Sellar plough, 2 scrapers, 2 stone sledges, 3 wheel hurley, hay paddock, snow plough, Wolseley power clippers (almost new), Cooch potato dresser (almost new with filling and bagging elevators, complete with 1 1/2hp Petter engine), potato riddles, sculls, boxes, 2 potato graips, box barrow rubber wheel, sheep troughs, ladders, steelyard and weights, bushel and straik, scythes, graips, forks, hoes, stack covers, 5 spare clothes for Deering binder, posts and wire, netting wire, turnip slicer, 200 gallon paraffin drum, binder fingers and the usual minor implements, 4 Glevum incubators (150 egg size), 8 hovers, 7 henhouses (12ft x 8ft, weather boarding and slated floors, complete with nests and feeders), henhouse (8ftx10ft), brooder house (16ftx16 1/2ft), brooder house (12ftx8ft), water fountains, feeders, etc, harness for 3 horses.

Adverts for displenishing sales are a useful source of evidence to see what implements and machines were used on particular farms at a specific point in time. They may include implements and machines that had been used for decades as well as newer ones and the latest technologies. They can show the preference of particular farmers for certain makers and makes of machinery as well. They can also be used to show how widespread some implements and machines were, especially if they were more specialised.

By the early 1950s mechanisation was a key word on Scottish farms. The horse era was giving way to the tractor era and on some farms both kinds of power were used, sometimes for specific tasks. With labour shortages both of full-time and seasonal and casual workers, there was a push to start to find more mechanised ways to deal with the handling, harvesting and processing of crops.

The following selection of adverts from the Strathern Herald in Perthshire shows the implements and machines on a small number of farms in the early 1950s. They show widespread mechanisation with up-to-date implements and machines to undertake a wide variety of tasks from ploughing, sowing, cultivation, management, harvesting and processing of crops.

Implements and machines from key makers were noted. They included names such as Wallace of Glasgow, Newlands of Linlithgow, Allan of Muthly, Dickie of East Kilbride, and Bisset of Blairgowrie. English and north-American names were also represented for some of the implements and machines. They included well-known names associated with particular products such as Albion (Harrison, McGregor & Co. Ltd., in Leigh, Lancashire) fro mowers and binders and Massey Harris for corn drills and binders). At some farms there was a preference for particular makers: at Rotteans Farm there was a preference for the Ferguson system with its implements and Fordson with its associated implements.

The farms were using a range of motive power. Rotteans Farm had both tractor and horse implements and machines, with the former focusing largely on ploughing and cultivating implements and machines. Woodside Farm, Auchterarder appeared to be working with horses, no tractor being listed.

Rottearns Farm, Braco (advert, 18 April 1850)

Tractor implements- Ferguson (complete with strakes); D.F. Ferguson plough; S.F. Ferguson plough; Ferguson ridger; Ferguson light cultivator; Ferguson heavy cultivator; Fordson on rubbers (with strakes); Fordson on rubbers (with pulley); bogey (tipper), with float sides; bogey; coup cart; Fordson Major 2-furrow plough; Newlands ridger for Fordson; Albion binder (6ft cut); set S.T. harrows; 2 sets harrows; 2 sets iron front wheels (for Fordson); 1 set iron rear wheels (for Fordson); set M. M. discs; 9 ft roller.

Horse implements- Massey Harris corn drill; Massey Harris binder; Wallace potato digger; Allan potato dresser; Garvie grass seed barrow; Macdonald manure distributor (for horse or tractor); Albion hay mower; saw-bench; harrows; 2 wheelbarrows; 2 hay collectors; 2 oil drums; coup cart (on rubbers); corn cart; horse roller; set saddle harrows; berry plough; drill grubber; potato hopper (2 screens); Dickie swathe turner; 6 raspberry barrels; 3 ladders; 400 stack props; weighing machine and weights; fanners; sack barrow; 6 rolls netting; sheep stakes; a quantity of furniture, and all the usual barn, byre and stable utensils, etc, etc.

Ross Farm, Balgowan (advert, 11 November 1850)

Implements – Fordson tractor on rubbers, double-furrow tractor plough, rubber-tyred box cart, box cart, corn cart, horse roller, turnip barrow, turnip slicer, rick lifter, tractor hay sweep, hay mower (Albion), 2 binders (Albion), manure distributor, corn drill (Massey Harris), potato digger, horse rake, cultivator, grubber, 2 sets iron harrows, set tractor harrows, saddle harrows, set S. T. harrows, 2 Hunter hoes, 3 ploughs, pulper, 2 rubber-tyred hand barrows, hay collector, potato harp, 220 gallon oil tank, fanners, steelyard and weights, sack barrow, 2 oil cabinets, bench and vice and small hand tools, ladders, props, bosses, wire netting, sheep troughs, 80 new posts, 14 milk cans, pails, basins, milk cooler, and all barn and stable utensils, 6 henhouses (portable), 2 brooder houses, 2 brooders, 2 incubators, churn, 2 chemical closets and a small quantity of household furniture.

East Mains Farm, Tulliebardine (advert, 26 May 1951)

Implements-Ferguson tractor, 1949 (with electric lighting), tractor ridger, D.F. plough, Ferguson D.F. plough, 2 R.T. box carts, 2 corn carts, car trailer, grass seed machine (Garvie), 2 Massey-Harris binders, 2 hay collectors, Wallace mower, Bisset mower, Ruston Hornsby mower (oil bath), corn driller, manure distributor (Bisset), hay turner (Nicholson), horse rake (Nicholson), horse roller, cultivator, turnip barrow, pulper, turnip slicer, 2 sheep haiks, set iron harrows, circular harrows, grass seed harrows, drill grubber, steelyard and weights, Dux plough, 110A plough, drill plough, potato planter, sack barrow, R.T. barrow, Hunter hoe, zinc bin, fanners, 3 ladders, electric fence, potato hopper and screens, props, bosses stakes, sheep troughs, netting, chests, 4 henhouses (2 as new), and all barn and stable utensils.

Woodside Farm, Auchterarder (advert, 10 November 1852)

Implements – R. T. general purpose cart convertible to rick lifter, coup cart, R. T. corn cart; hay mower (Bamford), hay collector, binder (Massey Harris), corn driller (Massey Harris), broadcast, hay turner (Massey, as new), horse roller, horse rake, potato digger (Wallace), fitted for tractor, turnip barrow, drill plough, 2 Dux ploughs, 2 sets iron harrows, 3 drill harrows, steelyard and weights (white), pulper, R. T. sack barrow (as new), 2 corn bins, R. T. dogcart, ladder, 3 sets cart harness, set pony harness, 12-bore gun, and all the usual barn and stable utensils, 50-gallon oil cabinet, scrap iron, surplus furniture.

Kipney, Logiealmond (advert, 1 November 1952)

Implements – Fordson row crop tractor (on rubbers), Fordson tractor (on irons), 2 D. F. tractor ploughs, tractor bogie, tractor cart (rubber tyred), tool bar, potato spinner, McCormack binder, Bisset binder, Jack potato digger, Wallace hay mower, hay sweep, Bisset manure distributor, corn drill, cultivator, 3 sets iron harrows, set circular harrows, set chain harrows, set spring tooth harrows, set drill harrows, drill plough, hay rake, grass seed machine, turnip barrow, double driller, set elevator fanners, weighing machine and weights, cake breaker, hay cutter, turnip pulper, turnip slicer, wheel barrow, sack barrow, ladders, bench, vice and tools, anvil, bellows and tools, 100 gallon paraffin drum, 40 gallon paraffin drum, guddle and mell, pig feeder (dry), fireclay troughs, sheep troughs, forks, rakes, shovels, spades, picks, brooms, lanterns, sheep nets and stakes, potato screen, riddles, baskets, quantity of wood, usual barn and stable utensils. Also 3 hen houses, 6 coops and runs, quantity household furniture and dairy utensils.

How were some of the key implement and machine makers advertising their spring implements in the agricultural and general press in the early 1930s?

While adverts tended to be short, they needed to include as much pertinent information as possible. They could note that they were selling spring implements and ask farmers and agriculturists to enquire. Some also listed the main ones as a way of highlighting what was available. These could quickly turn into a long list. Such a list could also get agriculturists to think about their future requirements, even into the early summer and into harvest time.

Rarely were specific prices of implements noted. More usually, it was that their prices were low. An advert from Sellars of Huntly in 1930 noted “keenest prices for all spring implements”.

A selection of adverts:

“Sellars steel frame broadcasts stand supreme for strength, durability, lightness in draught, and even distribution.

Keenest prices for all spring implements, new and second-hand.

Geo. Sellar & Son Limited, Glasgow Road, Perth” (from Perthshire advertiser, 15 March 1930)

“Farmers, take notice! Spring a surprise, and purchase your spring seeds, spring implements, and springtime requisites for this busy time of the year from Alex. McCutecion (onything fur the ferm).” (from Falkirk herald, 24 February 1934)

“Buy the best spring implements.

Tractors-International and Fordson, Tractor plows International and Cockshutt. Tractor grubbers, cultivators, soring tooth harrows. Broadcasts, land rollers. Manure distributors-Don and International.

Wm. Reid & Leys, Ltd, 9 Hadden Street, Aberdeen.” (from Aberdeen press and journal, 1 April 1937)

“Spring implements of all kinds, including tractor ploughs, grass and seed harrows, corn drills, cultivators, spring-toothed harrows, disc harrows, lawn rollers, etc-Thomas Duff, implement agent, Annan.” (from Dumfries and Galloway standard, 1 March 1939)

“Agricultural implements-Bamford’s supreme and McCormick sowers, broadcast seed sowers, disc harrows, cultivators, land rollers, and all spring implements at keenest prices-Alex Baird & Sons, Pleasance Works, Dumfries.” (from Dumfries and Galloway standard, 8 March 1939)

“Spring implements of all kinds, including tractor ploughs, cultivators, and disc harrows, corn drills, broadcast sowing machines, spring tooth harrows, McCormick manure distributors, land rollers, etc-Thomas Duff. Implement agent, 48 Whitesands, also at Annan and Lockerbie.” (from Dumfries and Galloway standard, 15 March 1939)

“Spring implements

Martin’s cultivators, Climax spring-tooth harrows, zig-zag and flexible harrows, manure distributors, horse hoes etc, in stock. Also spare parts.

Robertson & McLaren, agricultural engineers, Burnside Works, 19 Lower Craigs, Stirling.” (Stirling observer, 4 May 1939)

The Scottish agricultural press and the provincial press include a number of adverts from implement makers who were retiring or had stopped business for various reasons. As with farms, a number of implement makers held roups or public sales to dispose of their tools and stock in trade. Others transferred their businesses to other willing parties to continue.

These adverts can be a useful source of information on what happened to a business and as an aspect of business history. The following adverts all reveal aspects of the retrial of a number of implement makers from the mid 1850s onwards.

“Clearing sale of agricultural implement maker’s stock

Alexander Young, agricultural implement maker at Monifieth, near Dundee, respectfully intimates to his friendsand the public that, having now disposed of his business, he will sell, by public group, in an early day, the whole extensive stock of implements and utensils of trade belonging to him.

Particulars of the stock, and the day of sale, will be stated in a future advertisement.

Monifieth, 30th October, 1856″

From Dundee, Perth and Cupar advertiser, 14 November 1856

“William Crichton, blacksmith, Port Elphinstone, in retiring from business, begs leave to return his sincere thanks to his numerous customers for the liberal support they have bestowed on him for the last sixteen years, and that he has now given over his stock-in-trade to Mr Alex Newlands, blacksmith, who he trusts will meet with the same patronage as bestowed on him.

In reference to the above, Alexander Newlands begs to intimate that, in addition to the trade as formerly carried on by his predecessor, Mr William Crichton, he intends carrying in general country work-via, plough and other agricultural implement making, and horse-shoeing, and having been a number of years in the employment of Messrs Sellar & Son, Huntly, with whom he has had great expertise in the above, he trusts, with good workmanship and moderate charges to merit a share of public patronage.

Port Elphinstone. May 30, 1860.”

From Aberdeen journal, 6 June 1860.

“Important sale of property, founders’ and engineers’ plant and tools

Upset price reduced

The remains, subjects, belonging to Robert Mitchell & Son, Limited, will be exposed for sale, by public group, on Friday the 2nd day of November, at twelve o’clock noon, within the Royal Hotel, Peterhead.

The subjects consist of the yards and workshops, entering from Marischal Street and Tollbooth Wynd, in which the firm carried on the trades of iron founding, engineering, and agricultural implement making. Also, the plant and tools not previously disposed of, consisting of steam engine, cupola, foundry crane, moulding boxes, patterns, steam hammer, planing machine, vertical boring machine, lathes and other tools, per inventory.

The whole subjects above described will be offered in one lot. Of not so disposed of, the proprety, yards, workshops, and sheds will be offered in one lot without the tools.

In case there are no offerer for the property in one lot, it will be again exposed in two lots as under-

Lot no. 2A, comprising the yards, foundry, blacksmith’s and engineering shops; and

Lot no 2B, comprising yard, sawmill, and agricultural implement shop.

Plan of the property, inventory of tools, together with title deeds and articles of sale, may be seen in the hands of Patrick Irvine, solicitor, Peterhead.

The Manager, John Fraser, will supply any information, and show the workshops and tools to intending purchasers.

Peterhead, 12th October 1883.

From Banffshire Journal, 30 October 1883

“Notice

To engineers, implement makers, iron founders, and iron merchants

In consequence of the death of Mr G. W. Murray, there will be sold, as going concerns, the premises, plant, stock-in-trade, and good-will of the business carried on by Messrs G. W. Murray, engineers, implement makers, and iron founders, Banff Foundry, and Messrs Murray & Blake, iron merchants, Banff. The premises are situated in a good position, and are well adapted for the business of the respective firms. The machinery and plant of G. W. Murray & Co. are specially constructed for the business, and are in good working order. The stock-in-trade of both firms is well-selected, and mostly in good order.

The agricultural implements manufactured by G. W. Murray & Co., are well-known, not only in this country, but in most parts of the world. Excellent connections have been formed, and a large business has been done for many years. Recently a considerable business has been done as to fishing gear, and the fishing industry is very largely prosecuted in the district. A large business is also done in other departments of this firm. Messrs Murray & Blake have for many years done a large business throughout the whole North of Scotland, and are well established.

The premises, plant, and stock may be inspected at any time.

Further information and conditions of sale may be obtained from Mr Geo. A. Duncan, manager of the works, or Messrs Allan & Soutar, solicitors, Banff, either of whom will receive offers or both businesses, together or separately, as candidates may prefer, up to 23rd September next.

Banff, 20th August 1887.”

Banffshire journal and general advertiser, 6 September 1887

“Old established agricultural implement manufacturing business for sale

owing to the death of Mr William Anderson, sole partner of the firm of Benjamin Reid & Company, agricultural implement makers, Bon Accord Works, Aberdeen, it has even resolved to offer the works and business of the firm for sale.

Particulars may be had from Messrs Davidson & Garden, advocates, 245 Union Street, Aberdeen. Agents for the executors, and offers will be received by them up to 30th April.

The highest or any offer may bot be accepted.”

From From Aberdeen press and journal, 7 April 1896.

“Agricultural implement makers’ business for sale

There will be exposed for sale by public roup, within The Institute, Keith, on Wednesday, the 18th August 1909, at twelve o’clock noon, the business carried on by Messrs Auchinachie & Simpson, agricultural implement makers, Keith, together with the whole stock in trade, machinery, plant and goodwill, also the premises in which the business has been carried on.

The business has been established for over 60 years, and is now being realised in consequence of the death of Mr John Simpson. It is the only kind in the district, and the present affords an excellent opportunity for anyone desirous of acquiring such a business.

For particulars apply to Mesrs Mayer & Fraser, Commercial Bank Buildings, Keith; or to the subscribers, in whose hands are the articles of group, and inventory of stock &c.

Kemp & Auchinachie, solicitors, Keith.”

From The Scotsman, 4 August 1909

Lots of interesting titbits of information!