Paper is Stronger than Iron

Ebay is that great bazaar on the Internet where the basements and garages of the world are offered for sale. It has made the locating and collecting of many items much easier than ever before. Similar to the book trade, it has also increased the values of many items.

I was outbid on the 1870 Kirby Mower Manual above. The opposing bidder was determined and my bank account is finite. It is what the book world might call "fine" condition. It is probably only one of a handful that still exists in this type of condition. The original purpose of such a manual might lend it to be roughly treated, and hence, not survive to the present. It is possible that in terms of rarity, it is much more valuable than the amount that the other buyer paid.

The irony is that more of these paper manuals probably exist than the sturdy iron and wood machines they were meant to accompany. It is quite possible that an extant copy of the Kirby mower pictured above in this manual doesn't exist. Many were probably melted down during scrap drive during the World Wars. Many of the early machines with their balanced mix of wood and steel disintegrated into a pile of iron and rotted wood when not maintained. A pile of rusty old iron to make tanks and battleships.
The D.M Osbourne Company combined with Case around the turn of the century and ceased to exist. This may in fact be the only extant copy of this machine's operators manual.