G'day Sean, BB, Norm, Learned PRD, Kye and Freebird.

I have to agree with Kye about original condition.
However, I do not believe the blade carrier is original.
I say that because I have a patent from mid-1953 which
shows that Mr Taplin favoured a bar blade with safety clutch.

My History Record can be found here:-
https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=51983

However, what has been done he is a correct repair (in service)
when the clutch failed and parts became unavailable. The solution
was to fit a swing-back-blade design.

Sean, it would be great if the flywheel numbers reveal a date ...

I certainly agree with prd about a 'very proper resto'.
In fact, a sensitive one in this case.

In terms of history, the TAD and Grasshopper are the two closest
rivals to the earliest Victa rotaries - within months!

Note how the TAD was inspired by the first electric rotaries,
with rear roller and smaller cutting width. TADs were made about
10km from Merv's Victa.

An important machine, Sean.
This one needs 'special care'.

--------------------
Jack