Antique Seed Fiddler - Seed Sower Unbranded

Antique Seed Fiddler - Seed Sower Unbranded

I've always marveled at the ingenuity evidenced by old primitive and antique hand tools, and here representing the hard work of the farmer is this hand-operated antique seed fiddle broadcast seeding machine. Relying solely on two feet and two hands to scatter the seed, farmers in the mid-1800s hand made and began using tools such as this. The canvas seed bag serves as a cloth hopper and has a shoulder strap that hooks to the seed box. The seed sifts down through the aperture slot at one end of the wood box base, falling into the hand-cut metal spoke wheel. Below the wheel is the bobbin spindle around which the (missing) leather thong would go. The bobbin bottom is then anchored to the vertical wood spine to which the bow guide is attached. Thread the bow through the two guide holes, and thread the leather thong through the hole in the bow handle. Based on this video and the lighter colouration of the wood at the end of the bow, I believe there should then be an end cap to which the other end of the leather thong is attached.

Given its likely age, this seed fiddle is in rather fine condition, with no tears in the bag, no splits in the wood box, just two points of separation on the metal spine of one spoke of the seed broadcasting wheel (and, of course, the thong and bow cap).

The bow measures 36-3/4 inch long, while the seed box and broadcasting wheel measure approx. 21 inch long and 10 inch wide.

Although not complete, this antique seed fiddle makes for a great primitive decorative display. For someone wanting a complete look or even something to use for historical reenactment, the missing leather string and bow end cap should be fairly easy to make or maybe even find, if you're diligent and patient in the search. Fill the seed bag and place the canvas bag strap over the shoulder, and you're ready to go!