Summary

Black and white photograph of an early 'Sunshine' harvester working in a field in Argentina, circa 1902. The harvester is labelled with the 'Crescent' brandname on the front elevator cover in place of the usual 'Sunshine' brandname, and has the name of McKay's local agents 'JUAN y JOSÉ DRYSDALE & CÍA, 440 PERÚ, BUENOS AIRES' painted on the beater drum. On the lower elevator cover is an illustation of 'THE SUNSHINE HARVESTER' surrounded by the words 'The McKAY SUNSHINE HARVESTER WORKS / BALLARAT, VICTORIA'. The 'Sunshine' was subsequently marketed under the brandname 'La Australiana' in Argentina up until WWI.

Part of a collection of photographs, negatives, moving film, artefacts, documents and trade literature belonging to the H. V. McKay Sunshine Collection. The McKay collection is regarded as one of the most significant industrial heritage collections in Australia. The collection relates to the agricultural manufacturing firm, the Sunshine Harvester Works. The Australian operations of this company were originally founded by Hugh V. McKay in the 1890s in Ballarat. Between 1906 and 1907, McKay moved production to Sunshine where the firm became one of the largest industrial businesses in Australia. Change in ownership is a recurring theme in the company's history. In 1930, it merged with Massey-Harris to become H.V McKay Massey Harris. In the mid-1950s, the company was absorbed by Canadian agricultural firm Massey-Ferguson. Production in Sunshine ceased in the mid-1980s, following almost 100 years of manufacturing agricultural equipment.

Description of Content

Harvester being operated in a field in Argentina. A man sits on the harvester whilst another sits on one of the six horses pulling the machine. The harvester is painted with sign writing that reads 'Crescent' on the front elevator cover and 'Juan y José Drysdale & Cía, 440 Peru Buenos Aires', on the front beater durm. On the lower elevator cover is an illustration labelled 'THE SUNSHINE HARVESTER' surrounded by the words 'The McKAY SUNSHINE HARVESTER WORKS / BALLARAT, VICTORIA'.

Physical Description

Black and white photograph. Torn and creased.

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