Vintage tools

Good morning gardeners!

I love digging with my dad's spade. He died a while ago but it helps keep me close to him.

What vintage/retro tools do you use and what memories do they hold for you?

Thanks as always,

Sixtiesmax.

 

A 1932 rake
A 1946 spade/shovel thing
And a 120 year old hand plough I have no idea how to use, found it burried under the hedge when I dug it out ( it is plain steel possible used to have wooden handles about six foot long 2.5 feet high for like an old lawn mower T HANDLE trailing down to a single plough
I have not a clue why someone would want this, it could not be to plough a whole field surely ? the house was built as a new town on farm land in 1954

Jack McH (Hey Ziggy can you make use of a hand plough ? )

 

Jack could it have been for earthing up potatoes?

 

Sure could Jack

 

Still got paternal grandfather's (he was a waggon builder) draw knife and spoke shaves now nearly 100 years old. A garden fork with tines like needles that's at least 80 years old and is a delight to use. And sadly this Spring the lovely shaped shaft on the ancient Dutch hoe (80 yrs at least) finally gave way and I'm still trying to find a replacement shaft for it
Dad's galvanised watering can that's now about 70 years old and still going strong.

As for memories I remember grandfather in his allotment and shed smelling of mint imperials and pipe tobacco with his waistcoat and pocket watch and letting me pick peas. And the shed smelling of wood, oil and drying tobacco leaves. Dad in old worn out suit trousers and jacket digging a virgin hillside field and turning it into a wonderful garden.

 

I will get a photo up and you can decide
If you want me to send it

Jack McH

 

No idea Pete, it is single blade, and has a T shape handle
it would appear you pull it behind you, but there is no wheel

I am going to take a pic and upload it and it is offered to Ziggy (FREE) if he
then still wants it (unless it is Iron Age and worth £500k to a museum :-)

Jack McH

 

I still use my Great Grandad's soil rake from the late 1910's.

 

Some lovely memories. And a possible archeological discovery! Keep us posted about that plough!

Any more retro tales from anyone?

Good to chat and thanks for bothering everyone.

Very welcome rain here in Herts.

Happy gardening.

 

And I thought my 1970 hoe, acquired through the medium of Green Shield stamps and still in constant use, was quite a veteran!

 

I'd forgotten about green shield stamps Lorna! Had to save those forever to get anything worthwhile.

 

Got a pair of my Dad's old Sheep shears that come out now & again , useful for edging or trimming .

 

Only ten squillion gallons of FourStar leaded petrol and 300.000 packets of woodbines for A Hoe though

Jack McH

 

We certainly got them with petrol, and I think from Tesco too though my memory's a bit hazy. Not with cigs in this household. I can't remember getting anything else, but I was so thrilled with the hoe.