'Brand New In Crate' 1953 Ideal Reel Mower On Ebay

[Austen]

Now this is just plain cool, although it does look like humidity has taken a bit of toll on it. 1953 Ideal Reel Lawn Mower - Vintage Antique Lawnmower | eBay

I've always had dreams of finding say an old Lawn King that's never been taken out of a crate before like this.

If it were mind though, I wouldn't be able to contain myself, I'd surely have to pull it out and use it.

[Mark / Ohio]

It's a real novelty to see one in the original all wood and wire crate like that from the days before plastic, cardboard pallets and covers. Yet on the other hand with the rust already on it, it is just going to continue to deteriorate if in a place with any humidity in the air.

I'd probably disassemble the crate in a way I could put it back together and at the very least give it a good cleaning or more likely refinish it back to like it came out of the factory.

I've never been one to subscribe to the idea of Patina on my antiques adding value.

[bwdbrn1]

I'm like you Austen, I'd have to get it out and use it, but it would be neat to restore it and return it to it's brand new never been used look.

Come to think of it, I'm a 1953 model, and I'm developing a certain patina myself.

[Austen]

I like your guys' ideas on taking it out and making it look like new again, that would be a really neat thing. If somebody were to do that and then re-install it into the crate, then it really would look like new!

I've always wondered how something like this would run if it's never been ran before. Like new? I wouldn't really think so in a way because think of the same position the valves springs, rings and everything else has been in. One position their whole life pretty much for many many years. That has got to make a difference.

[bwdbrn1]

Could be, but then look at the engines we've brought back to life. Stuff that's been sitting outside in the elements for gosh only knows how long, and for the most part, they run like they've only sat overnight in a heated garage. Wouldn't it be fun to put fresh gas and oil in it and give the rope a tug!

[Mark / Ohio]

Originally Posted by bwdbrn1

.... I'm a 1953 model, and I'm developing a certain patina myself.

This 1966 model is showing some patina as well. Imagine if only some mere cleaning, buffing and a repaint with a couple rattle cans, fresh fluids and spark plug could bring us back to like new condition. No more need for expensive medical insurance.

[bwdbrn1]

Mark, I think you've hit on an idea! We could put together some kind of package and include a bunch of bottles and cans of various fluids and liquids and scouring pads. We'll call it something like "Renew You" and sell it late at night on one of those shopping networks.