A scythe is an agricultural hand tool that cuts grass and is used by making large sweeping motions through the crop. Eventually replaced by horse-drawn or motorised machinery, they are occasionally still used as they are inexpensive and efficient. There are different types of scythes with larger or smaller blades. This particular scythe was manufactured by W.A Tyzack & Co. Ltd. Set up by William Tyzack in the early 1800s in Sheffield, United Kingdom, they grew into a larger manufactory specialising in agricultural tools. Adding the ‘Horseman’ brand to their trademark in 1948, they expanded dramatically and exported throughout the Commonwealth.Donated by Wilfred Dungan on behalf of the Dungan family Collection originally used on the property of the late Dr Rae Dungan in Falls Creek Rd Olinda, purchased in the late 1930s from Olinda pioneers Harry and Minnie Holden. Also on the property of late May Farndon of Farndon’s and Falls Rd Mt Dandenong – aunt of Dr Rae William Dungan and also an early pioneer. Family holidays and weekends involved use of these sorts of farm implements plus working with horses. Post-war, the Olinda hand tools and machinery moved to the Shady Creek, Nilma North area where bush, pasture and cows had replaced the Olinda property. Wilfred well remembers being on one end of the crosscut saws cutting fence posts, logs and timber under “the tireless and vocal instruction” of a red headed local Darnum Rd legend called Harry Collyer. “He drove an old Rugby car and nearly pulled me through the logs with every cut!” Cast steel blade. Hole on back and of blade for hanging. Steamed handle (may not be original). Complex pipe/nut washer and five metal shims keeping blade on handle.From tip: BEST CROWN W.A. TYZACK & CO. LTD STELLA WORKS SHEFFIELD. Near handle: image of figure on horse.churchill island, scythe, wa tyzack, sheffield, machinery