Hi Phil Thanks for the update. It is certainly not a clear case at this time.
Given we have a couple of examples, I feel it is important to keeps it original. Dial controls were popular in the USA and other markets (like NZ).
The interesting historical bit is: did Victa use them here on Briggs engines? On-board controls for vertical shaft engines never gained momentum here, but there are examples ... [see below].
I would also like to add my thoughts on on-board controls. Most small engine companies offered on-board controls and I feel there were a number of reasons why ...
[1] On-board controls suited stationary applications with known rpm loads. An air compressor, generator, pump will work better at suggested rpm ranges.
[2] Lawnmowers are not stationary, and attract extreme spike loading - higher grasses or demands. The best solution was to give the operator better control - in the form of hand throttles. [When you're cutting high grass, you don't set the throttle to idle!].
[3] The experience of hand-throttle-less lawnmowers in the late 1950s was short-lived. The operator was a better judge than the governor working alone.
[4] On-board controls were an advantage in manufacture. This is why they took hold in some markets. A lawnmower maker production worker would not have to fit an external cable, cable ties, and throttle control. [This would take production time and many extra parts]
[5] Gadge favoured the export model - as I did too! Max has raised another possibility. Whilst Victa published 'stencil brand' information, it never revealed 'store brand' mower information. This means that small production runs to individual companies remains largely a mystery.
