Do you have a vintage Montgomery Ward lawnmower tucked away in your garage or shed? Perhaps it’s a family heirloom passed down through generations, or maybe you unearthed it at a flea market or antique shop. Regardless of how you came to own it, you might be curious about its age. Knowing the year of manufacture can add to its historical value and give you a better understanding of its potential worth.
In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Montgomery Ward lawn mowers and provide a comprehensive guide to help you determine the year of your machine. We’ll explore various identification methods, from model numbers to serial numbers, and even uncover some hidden clues that can help you pin down the exact year of production.
A Brief Overview
Montgomery Ward was a renowned mail-order retailer that thrived in the United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. They offered a vast catalog of products, including lawn mowers, which were sold under various brand names. Unfortunately, Montgomery Ward didn’t always consistently include the year of manufacture on their products. However, with some detective work, you can often uncover valuable clues to determine the year of your lawnmower.
How to Determine the Year of Your Montgomery Ward Lawn Mower
While there’s no foolproof method to identify the exact year of every Montgomery Ward lawnmower, here are the most effective strategies you can employ:
1. Identify the Model Number
The most straightforward way to find out the year of your Montgomery Ward lawnmower is to decipher its model number. While not every model number contained a year designation, some models did incorporate a specific year code. Here’s what you need to look for:
- Year Code: Some Montgomery Ward lawnmowers have a code embedded in the model number that directly indicates the year of manufacture. For example, a model number containing “67” might signify that the lawnmower was made in 1967.
- Model Number Database: You can try searching online databases or forums dedicated to vintage lawnmowers and Montgomery Ward products. These resources may contain information on specific model numbers and their corresponding production years.
Example:
Let’s say your Montgomery Ward lawnmower has the model number “MW 1234-567-89”. This number contains a series of digits that could potentially reveal the year.
2. Check the Serial Number
The serial number is another key identifier that can sometimes be used to determine the year of your Montgomery Ward lawnmower. While serial numbers are generally unique to each machine, they aren’t always standardized. This means that you might need to do some digging to uncover the connection between the serial number and the year.
- Serial Number Database: Similar to model numbers, you can search online databases or forums dedicated to vintage lawnmowers or Montgomery Ward products. These resources might contain information linking specific serial numbers to the year of production.
- Contact Montgomery Ward Archives: If you’re truly stumped, you might consider contacting the Montgomery Ward archives, if they still exist, to inquire about the serial number and its associated year.
Example:
Your Montgomery Ward lawnmower might have a serial number like “A123456789”. This number might be used to find a record of the production date in a database or archive.
3. Examine the Engine
The engine on your Montgomery Ward lawnmower can offer valuable clues about its age. Here’s what to look for:
- Engine Brand: Identify the brand of the engine. Some engine brands like Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh kept detailed records of their engine models and production years. You can research the engine model number to discover when it was manufactured.
- Engine Serial Number: Just like the lawnmower’s serial number, the engine serial number can be a useful tool for dating. You might find resources that connect specific engine serial numbers to production years.
- Engine Design: The engine’s design can also provide hints about its age. Older engines might feature cast iron parts, while newer models may utilize lighter materials.
Example:
If your Montgomery Ward lawnmower has a Briggs & Stratton engine with a model number of “123456789”, you can research that model number to see if it was produced in a specific year.
4. Analyze the Features
The design and features of your Montgomery Ward lawnmower can help you narrow down the year of manufacture:
- Materials: The materials used in the construction of the lawnmower can be a clue. For example, older lawnmowers might have been made primarily of steel, while newer models may incorporate aluminum or other materials.
- Technology: The presence or absence of certain technological features can reveal the year. For example, electric start or automatic features are more common in later models.
- Design Trends: Examine the overall design of the lawnmower. Look for features or styles that were popular during specific eras. For instance, the mid-century modern style was prominent in the 1950s and 1960s.
Example:
If your Montgomery Ward lawnmower features a steel body, a single-cylinder engine, and a manual start system, it might be from the 1950s or 1960s.
5. Consult Vintage Lawn Mower Experts
If you’ve exhausted all other options and still can’t determine the year of your Montgomery Ward lawnmower, consider reaching out to vintage lawnmower experts. These individuals often have extensive knowledge about lawnmower history and may be able to assist you in pinpointing the year based on detailed descriptions or photographs of your machine.
Montgomery Ward Lawn Mower History
Montgomery Ward’s history of selling lawnmowers is intertwined with the evolution of lawn care itself.
- Early Days: Montgomery Ward began selling lawnmowers in their mail-order catalogs in the late 19th century. Early models were often basic hand-powered machines made of steel.
- The Rise of Engine-Powered Mowers: As the 20th century progressed, Montgomery Ward offered a wider variety of engine-powered lawnmowers. These mowers typically featured gasoline engines and came in various sizes to accommodate different lawn sizes.
- Post-War Boom: Following World War II, the popularity of lawnmowers surged as suburban living became increasingly prevalent. Montgomery Ward responded by offering a wide selection of mowers with features like electric start and automatic drive systems.
- The Decline of Montgomery Ward: In the late 20th century, Montgomery Ward faced increasing competition from other retailers. The company eventually went out of business in 2001.
Conclusion
Determining the year of your Montgomery Ward lawnmower can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. By carefully examining the model number, serial number, engine details, and features of your machine, you can uncover valuable clues about its age and historical significance. Remember that while no method is foolproof, combining different strategies can significantly increase your chances of pinpointing the year of manufacture. Your vintage Montgomery Ward lawnmower may not just be a tool for mowing your lawn; it could also be a fascinating piece of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I find the year of my Montgomery Ward lawn mower?
There are a few ways to determine the year of your Montgomery Ward lawn mower. The easiest way is to look for a model number or serial number tag on the mower. This tag often includes the year of manufacture. If you can’t find the tag, you can try to identify the model by searching online databases or contacting a vintage lawn mower enthusiast group.
Another method is to check for any markings on the engine. Some engines have a date code, which is a series of numbers or letters that indicate the year of manufacture. This information can be used to determine the year of the mower.
2. Where should I look for the model or serial number?
The model or serial number is often found on a metal tag attached to the mower deck, engine, or frame. Look for it on the underside of the mower, near the engine, or on the side of the chassis. The tag may also have other information, such as the model name, engine type, and other important details.
It’s important to note that not all Montgomery Ward lawn mowers had serial number tags. If you can’t find one, you may need to consult with a vintage lawn mower expert to determine the year of your mower.
3. What if I don’t see any markings on the mower?
If you can’t find any model or serial number tags or engine markings, you may have to use other methods to determine the year of your Montgomery Ward lawn mower. One approach is to look for distinguishing features or design elements that are unique to certain eras. For instance, older mowers may have cast iron wheels, while newer ones may have plastic wheels.
You can also try to identify the engine. If you know the engine brand and model, you can research the year of manufacture. Many engine manufacturers have online databases or resources that can help you find the year of your engine.
4. What if my Montgomery Ward lawn mower has a Briggs & Stratton engine?
Briggs & Stratton engines are very common on Montgomery Ward lawn mowers. These engines often have a date code located on the engine block or on a tag near the engine. To decipher the date code, you can refer to a Briggs & Stratton date code chart. These charts can be found online or in manuals.
The date code will usually consist of letters and numbers that represent the year, month, and day of manufacture. Once you have deciphered the code, you will know the approximate year of your Montgomery Ward lawn mower.
5. What if my Montgomery Ward lawn mower has a Tecumseh engine?
Tecumseh engines were also popular on Montgomery Ward lawn mowers. You can find the date code on the engine block, often near the carburetor or on a tag near the engine.
The date code on Tecumseh engines is typically a series of numbers. The first two numbers represent the year of manufacture. For example, a date code of 87 would indicate that the engine was made in 1987.
6. What is the history of Montgomery Ward?
Montgomery Ward was a major American retailer that operated from 1872 until 2001. The company was known for its mail-order catalogs, which offered a wide variety of products, including lawn mowers. Montgomery Ward also sold appliances, clothing, furniture, and other household goods.
While Montgomery Ward’s retail stores closed in 2001, the company’s legacy lives on through its recognizable brand and the many products it sold over the years.
7. Where can I find parts for my Montgomery Ward lawn mower?
Finding parts for a vintage Montgomery Ward lawn mower can be challenging, but not impossible. Start by checking online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. You can also search for vintage lawn mower parts suppliers online or contact a vintage lawn mower enthusiast group.
If you are unable to find the specific part you need, you may be able to find a similar part from another manufacturer that fits your mower. You may also be able to modify a part to fit your Montgomery Ward lawn mower.