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Representative Grain Cradle Patents

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March 1, 1887, Peter Nalley, of Majors, South Carolina.
A heavy duty cradle designed for South Carolina crops. The fingers are easily replaceable and independent of one another.

April 1, 1890, Thomas Orr, of Jonesborough, Georgia
Instead of wooden fingers, cord is stretched from the snath through a series of cross braces. Metal wire tines are fitted at the end of the cradle.

May 4, 1869, William Lowden, of Thornapple, Michigan
The patent on this cradle covers the rearward extension scythe blade. Called the "Lightning Scythe", it was claimed to prevent uncut grain from slipping by the heel of the scythe.

April 6, 1869, William Locke, of Canton, Pennsylvania
A semicircular bar connects the heel of the scythe to the snath and offers strong support to the finger bar.

Nov. 1, 1853, Christopher Kelsey, of Livingstonville, New York
The handle of this cradle can be made to fold parallel to the fingers without affecting the wire braces. This was usefull for storage as well as shipping.

July 12, 1843, George Farquhar, Easton, Pennsylvania
"Farquhar's Improved Scythe Sneed" featured an extension mortised into the snath.

Oct 20, 1857, Daniel Miffleton, of King George's Court House, Virginia
This patent provides for quick and easy adjustment of the fingers and for a brace between the blade and first finger.

March 10, 1857, Samuel Warren, Lebanon, Alabama
Extra bracing strengthens this otherwise light weight cradle.

June 28, 1859, Moses Flanders, of Parishville, New York
Attachment of the finger standard to the snath and adjustment of the fingers are covered in this patent.

Nov 26, 1878, Robert Winterbotham, of Columbus, Ohio
Metal sockets for attachment of the finger post.

Jan 10, 1888, Frederick Kretsinger, of Fort Madison, Iowa
Socket for attaching pivoting finger standard.

Sept 16, 1879, Lewis Rumsey & Horace Hewitt, of St Louis, Missouri
A hinged socket to receive the finger post.

Oct 15, 1850, Isaac Grant & Daniel Viall, Schaghticoke, New York
A Folding grain cradle which could be stacked for shipping assembled units.


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