An awesome and extremely rare antique (c1900) The Bentall cast iron chaff cutter - working

An awesome and extremely rare antique (c1900) British made The Bentall cast iron chaff cutter is a superb find and an incredible piece of Victorian agricultural history. The chaff measures 123c, high x 73cm long x 56cm wide and the wheel is 81cm across x 4cm wide. 

The chaff cutter was a hand-powered implement, typical of those used to cut up hay and straw for animals, notably horses, both on farms and in the cities. Crops were also chaffed before they were put into the silo, to ensure close packing and to prevent fermentation.

The chaff cutter is one of the labour-saving animal food preparations machines made by agricultural manufacturers in the 19th century and first half of the 20th century. Others included crushers, grist mills, cake breakers, root cleaners and cutters, and corn shellers. When hand feeding large numbers of stock the amount of feed required to be cut, crushed or broken became quite excessive, so through necessity mechanisation developed quickly in this area. The benefits of using food preparation machines ensured that livestock had better digestion, and the mixing of fodder was facilitated which encouraged fattening animals to eat more. Cut feed was also advantageous for hard-worked horses, horses which bolted their food, animals with worn teeth and young animals with incomplete teeth.

These amazing farm implements make incredible garden display pieces and this large chaff is no exception. 

There is age and usage related wear and tear and the chaff is an ornamental piece. Please view the pics carefully to fully appreciate this incredible Victorian era chaff cutter and to confirm the condition.