[charlie]

Could you please add a photo so we can see what your seeder looks like, the numbers you quote don’t help identify it.

[charlie]

I think you are right about size of handle and how it is attached. Round stair hand rail might be about the right size or it could be a job for someone with a wood turning lathe.

[charlie]

If I have understood your description correctly and looking at the photos I would say the handles were round and the two bolts in the photo go through to hold the handles in place, although they may not be the original ones as they appear to be too long. The square holes are for the square under head of bolt.

[charlie]

An interesting old roller well worth preserving. A google search has found a couple of references to the makers James Clay(Wellington) and Wrekin Foundry
The key to painting is the preparation, rust removal by sand blasting, wire brush or chemical rust removal is the first stage. Before doing this get a colour match to the green paint that remains, this may have faded with time. What the handle should look like is more of a problem. What shape are the holes in the top of the frame? There are several references to James Clay in the archive at MERL (Museum of English Rural Life), it may be worth searching these to see if there is anything showing the roller and what the handle may have looked like. Do any other museums have imformation, eg Black Country museum. The Garden Museum at Lambeth may be another source of information.

[charlie]

Photo files need compressing to reduce file size below 3072KB.

[charlie]

The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) at Reading have a collection of Mayfield literature and information in their archive.

[charlie]

I have a number of old garden tool catalogues, some are manufacturers catalogues eg Tyzack others are from suppliers. The old CGA books are a good reference too. None of mine have been scanned.

[charlie]

Same as Scottish beef, I believe it only has to spend six weeks in Scotland to fatten up and can be called Scottish Beef even if it has spent the rest of its life in sunny Somerset or where ever.
With hand tools you are probably better off buying the old British made ones from car boot sales. I am lucky to have inherited my parents old garden tools, some are Elwell brand.

[charlie]

HS stands for High Speed, usually has a larger sump.

[charlie]

A quick google search turned up a copy of the manual

[charlie]

I am not an electrical expert but if the circuit breaker is tripping this would indicate an electrical fault, either short circuit or contact somewhere due to damaged insulation possibly. Have you given everything a good clean to ensure it is not a build up of dirt and dust causing the problem? Have you tried looking for a circuit diagram online?

[charlie]

The serial number is located on top of frame that runs back from under fuel tank see Gem dating guide for more information.

[charlie]

Or possibly if machine was exported a locally sourced engine was fitted. I know machines imported to the UK eg Graveley had British magnetos fitted.

[charlie]

Link to B&S engine numbering .

[charlie]

The vibration is probably due to the action of the cutter bar, an Allen scythe is just the same. With drive to cutter bar disconnected you should find the machine runs smoothly.

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