I support BB's point. During the long life of any rare or historically important object its continued existence requires goodwill from every single custodian, while its destruction only requires brief ownership by one Philistine. I do not dispute the right of every owner to do what he or she will to their own property, but what would most people think of a rich Texan who bought the Mona Lisa and had it painted over with his wife's face?
That mower is remarkably original, and in that condition, rather rare. Furthermore it is not some unusable antique preserved only because of its quaint crudity, like something you might find in a science museum. It is a machine that had a clever and fine design, which remains relevant and usable 35 years later. Personally I would never collect anything - it is far too passive a hobby to suit me - but I do value good design, as I think do most Outdoorking members.
If you do not want the mower, why not sell it as a complete machine? I am not suggesting you dispose of it for less than its market value, of course - it is easy to establish that on ebay or by some other process if you prefer.
