OutdoorKing Repair Forum Forums Collectors Corner Cylinder Pope's First Power Mower - the Centre Court

Hey Jack,

What's that yellow push mower in the back left? I have recently picked up a pope push power with an electric motor. Looks VERY similar to that one but it's green not yellow.

It's in pretty poor condition so don't know if I will bother getting it up and running. It's still actually sitting in the tray of my ute (Been 3 weeks now).

Pete

Has it been painted green ? It may have been painted by some macho guy ,who thought yellow was not masculine enough .

Hello IHWS

That would be a Pope Centre Court.
No collector has ever restored one (to my knowledge)
A History Record is here:

https://www.outdoorking-forum.com.au/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=59768

Hope this helps.
-------------------------
Jack

Hey Jack,

Took the pope out of the ute and reattached the motor,adjusted the belt as best I could (Pretty sure its the wrong belt).

Works brilliantly. Belt is loose but still works. I'll find a smaller alternator belt somewhere and adjust it properly.





Not sure if this is the centre court you are looking for but in the other post you mention you're looking for photos. If this will help let me know what you want and I'll send them to you. I'll send you some photos of this one anyway.

Thanks,
Pete

Hey Pope. You would know better than me

It doesn't look like there was ever any yellow paint (That bit of yellow you see is electrical tape as the timber roller is split somewhat.

I'd be interested to know what this thing actually is. Maybe a later model of the center court perhaps? Anyway I don't wish to hijack this thread.

Pete.

Hello IHWS and Pope

Yes, painted green
Pope's 'Buttercup' baked enamel was a beautiful colour.
Both Popes at Caboolture have been repainted (badly).

IHWS, thanks for the PM with the extra photos.
I will put some in the History Record as a Photo Record.

Cheers
-------------------
Jack

Hmmm, Yeah I just checked it again and yes. It has obviously been repainted!

If anyone happens to go to the Caboolture Historical Village could I possibly get a close up photo of the handle grips on these. Mine has one missing and the other is ... well looks like it had a fight with the blades!

Thanks,

Pete

Just happened to stumble upon this one a couple of days ago. Picked it up now.





It's actually in very good nic. Just surface rust.

It was (Until now) a ONE OWNER MOWER - Bloke bought it in 1949 (or thereabouts). He is going to look around for the receipt and books for me. He seems to never throw ANYTHING out.

Here's hoping he comes back with the books!

Pete.

G'day IHWS

It's great to find these one-owners. Not common these days.
If he could find the receipt it would certainly add to the value.

The Wimbledon was introduced as Pope's first lawnmower in 1949.
I feel this one cannot date before 1950, when Pope seems to have
adopted the new - and handsome - Pope logo. So 1949 (or thereabouts)
would be pretty accurate.

Cheers
------------------
Jack

p.s. why do dogs like getting into photographs...?

Hi Jack,

I'm thinking of doing a full resto on the centre court in the next couple of months BUT I have a couple of questions ... well one really.

You mention and reading the manual and adds it confirms it that these had baked enamel finish with chrome trim. As mine has been painted green and grey (Badly) I cannot tell what used to be chrome.

I am assuming the wheel retainer nut and wing nuts were but the rest is a mystery. Are you able to shed any light on this? I'd like to get the original parts re chromed instead of just guessing.

Thanks,
Pete

G'day Pete

I think the main bits of chrome, apart from what you've said, were the
tie-rods (cross bars) that connect the side frames.

It would be exciting to see a restored Centre Court.

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