1860s Aultman Miller Reaper Salesman Sample

1860s Aultman Miller Reaper Salesman Sample
Very early and highly detailed salesman sample of a Aultman Miller horse drawn reaper with a mower and table rake. The 2 arm sweep design dates it to the 1860's. The only markings are on the brass gear cover by the operators left foot that reads, J.F. WERNER MODEL MAKER & MACHINEST 62 CENTRE ST NY. This miniature working replica is made of precision machined brass and steel parts with a wood rake table and horse hitch tongue. It comes with its original tin fitted case which has great patina and bears a partial paper label from American Express shipping from Grand Rapids Michigan. The miniature reaper itself is in remarkable condition with all parts being present and only the 2 brass eliptical springs under the operators seat showing an old repair. The finish on the wood table is excellent. It measures 16" wide, 22" long with tongue extended, 9.5" tall to the top of the sweeps. It comes with a typed letter on legal size paper titled, "SOME THINGS I KNOW ABOUT THE MILLER OR BUCKEYE TSBLE RSKE REAPER". The letter describes the evolution of the reaper and is signed by Frank Bolender of Plainwell Michigan. From the content of the letter referring to Thomas Edison's current wife it can be dated as being typed before 1930. The author of the letter Frank Bolender (1849-1937) was born in Uniontown Ohio and in the 1870 census is listed as living in Akron Ohio with the occupation of a Molder so he was most likely an employee of Aultman Miller working in the foundry. Sometime in the 1890's the Bolender family pruchased a farm near Plainwell Michigan where he lived until his death. This salesman sample has been in the same family for over 4 generations and is being offered for the first time.