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Restoration of a 1931 Replica of the 1831 McCormick Reaper

Abstract

This paper describes the restoration of a 1931 replica of the original 1831 McCormick reaper. The replica was made by the International Harvester Company as a part of the 1931 celebration of the centenary of the invention of the reaper.

The replicas were constructed of the same materials as the original and the restoration described in this paper followed the same process using similar materials and techniques. The restoration is described in detail accompanied by color photographs of each step in the project. Materials (mostly white oak), processes, assembly, and finishing are described for each part and subassembly.

The history of the invention and development of the McCormick reaper is not a part of this paper; several complete biographies of Cyrus McCormick adequately cover the topic. However, the background of the centennial replica is covered, as is the story of the acquisition of this particular reaper replica.

As an item of interest related to the reaper replicas, a comparison is made between the original 1834 McCormick reaper and the 1931 replicas wherein notable differences are discussed as well as are the differences between the 1931 replicas and the replica made for the 1930 International Harvester Company film"The Romance of the Reaper."

The paper was copyrighted in 2004 and is available from the author or from the Secretary of the Hill Country Antique Tractor and Engine Club at a nominal charge to cover the cost of printing (32 pages, stapled, printed on 24 lb. stock).

Harold K. Sohner
772 Luckenbach Road