Sunday, April 22, 2007

Rare farm machinery auctioned near Armidale

ABC News Online

Hundreds of people from as far away as north Queensland and Melbourne have attended an auction of vintage and antique farm machinery south of Armidale on the weekend.

The auction, on Bill Morton's property at Dangarsleigh, included rare early 20th century farming equipment.

The rarest items were two Twin City tractors, which were made in the 1920s by an American company.

Although they were not in working order, they still fetched prices of up to $10,000.

One successful bidder, John Barwick, says it was money well spent.

"It's quite unique - I haven't seen anything like it - to have machinery in as good order as this," he said.

Auctioneer Victor Moore says many people were surprised by the value of the items.

"Extremely unusual and a lot of the items we're seeing here are very, very rare," he said.

Mr Morton says he has been forced to sell off the possessions for personal reasons.

"It's the end of an era and I'll have a bit more room in my shed," he said.

He says although he is sad to see his vast collection of items and memorabilia go, he is glad it is going to good homes.