Scythe, circa 1840
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Scythes helped farmers harvest hay and other grasses quickly. The long sharp blade cut large swaths through the crops. The long handle allowed harvesters to work upright, which removed the bending and stooping required when using a sickle. Swinging a scythe was still hard work. In the 19th century, innovative farmers created mowing machines that made harvesting hay even easier.
Scythes helped farmers harvest hay and other grasses quickly. The long sharp blade cut large swaths through the crops. The long handle allowed harvesters to work upright, which removed the bending and stooping required when using a sickle. Swinging a scythe was still hard work. In the 19th century, innovative farmers created mowing machines that made harvesting hay even easier.
Artifact
Scythe
Date Made
circa 1840
On Exhibit
at Greenfield Village in Soybean Lab Agricultural Gallery
Object ID
25.38.5
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Iron (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Dimensions
Width: 40.5 in
Length: 60.6 in
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