This hopper was used in the 1930's by Charles East (father of Margaret Freeman of Kegworth)
The hopper was carried with the straps over the shoulders and the container was held at front waist level by the handle.
The sower would walk over the fields, but a very peculiar gait was required - the right hand and right foot in unison, followed by the left hand and left foot. This was not an easy movement and a great deal of practice was needed to ensure the sowing was done to best effect.
The sower would have been relatively easy to maintain as it had few working parts. The only parts needing replacing regularly would be the leather straps, which would be repaired by the local saddler.
