Picked this up at a muddy March flea market for two dollars. It has numbered notches and a rotating top plate, but no obvious way to attach it to anything. What is this thing?

era in which they were produced. Some dials were designed for specific crops, such as corn or wheat, while others offered more general use.

Different manufacturers might include additional features or markings unique to their brand, making each dial a unique artifact of its time. Collectors often seek out these variations, looking for rare models or those associated with particular agricultural developments.

Determining the completeness and originality of a seed dial involves examining several key features. The presence of all numbered notches and a smoothly rotating top plate is essential.

Originality can often be confirmed by looking for maker’s marks or engravings, which are common on vintage tools. Wear and patina consistent with age can also indicate authenticity, as can the quality of the brass used in its construction.