{"product_id":"very-rare-set-of-featherlite-aluminium-gardening-tools-markle-usa-circa-1946","title":"Very Rare Set of 'Featherlite' Aluminium Gardening Tools, Markle, USA. Circa 1946.","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is so much to say about this set of tools, which on first glance are deceptively simple. This set is one of only two that I have seen anywhere - that second set happens to be in the possession of the Museum of Modern Art, originally gifted by the manufacturer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe manufacturer in question is Markle Featherlite Products Corporation, and the designer Harry C. Markle, first produced in 1946. As the name suggests, wielding the incredibly sculptural cast aluminium tools is remarkably easy, and pleasingly comfortable. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Light-weight aluminum alloy which is non-rusting and self-sharpening. Of superior quality. Transplanter $1.25; Hand Fork $1.75; Garden Trowel $1.50. Set of all three $3.95\"\u003c\/em\u003e - original advert print.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach one of these pieces are present in this group. Rumour has it that Henry Markle was fed up with rusting tools as well as the commonly wooden-handled equipment of the time often causing him splinters, and so this mid-century design was born. A big post-war employer, Markle manufactured in Michigan for quite some time, but I have struggled to find accurate records.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe set here has been used intensively for many decades, resulting in any sign of the manufacturer stamp having vanished as the relatively soft aluminium has worn away. However, the striking and ergonomic pieces remain objectively beautiful as well as endlessly useful. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMax. Length: 25.5cm (trowel) \/ Max. Width: 7cm (fork)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SAD Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57000181236090,"sku":"SAD0223","price":165.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/7883\/1907\/files\/exceptionally-rare-set-of-featherlite-aluminium-well-used-beautifully-patinated-pewter-grey-gardening-tools-by-markle-usa-circa-1946-as-seen-in-moma-collection-post-war-design-collect_3130192e-4282-48ed-a209-5cb303789ccb.jpg?v=1782249797","url":"https:\/\/sadgallery.co.uk\/products\/very-rare-set-of-featherlite-aluminium-gardening-tools-markle-usa-circa-1946","provider":"SAD Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}