Before the caricature depiction of the Flying Dutchman used in many Moline Plow Company lithographs, the name and trademark originated from the characteristics of a breakthrough in plow designs. In explanation of the figure’s poise, holding high the ear of corn and decked with eagle’s wings, the company first printed headlines parodying the Bartholdi Statue of Liberty (dedicated in 1886), saying they took the “Liberty of Enlightening the World” of the merits of the celebrated Flying Dutchman Sulky Plow. The figure is characteristic and true to the life of the typical Dutchman in his happiest mood; typifying what could be seen on Ellis Island with people of his class arriving from Dutch ports. Following is the origin of the “Flying Dutchman” trademark in words from Moline Plow Co. literature.
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Having read the story of the Flying Dutchman, the mysterious Phantom Ship which was the terror of the seas, we invite your attention to another Flying Dutchman quite as invincible on land as the Phantom Ship was on water.
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Having read the story of the Flying Dutchman, the mysterious Phantom Ship which was the terror of the seas, we invite your attention to another Flying Dutchman quite as invincible on land as the Phantom Ship was on water.
The Three-wheel Sulky Plow known as the Flying Dutchman has been flying over the country with full sales since its first general introduction in the spring of 1884. The appearance of this plow in any farming community was an omen of dire misfortune to any other sulk plow, for none could encounter the Flying Dutchman without being plowed under. According to the old sea legend the Phantom Ship plowed the seas against the heaviest wind and it is a remarkable fact that where the adversaries of the Flying Dutchman Sulk Plow have done their loudest blowing against the plow which “took the wind out of their sales,” the Flying Dutchman has scored its greatest triumphs, and has secured a monopoly of the sulk plow trade.
A glance at the picture of the Flying Dutchman shows shy it has so captivated farmers who want the best plowing done with the greatest ease for themselves and teams.
The plow is in front of the driver, the natural place for it, where its work is always under the driver’s eye.
It is carried not dragged through the ground. Where there is the smallest amount of friction there must be the lightest draft. The small wheel in front serves both as a gauge and a support, and the plow slices and turns a uniform furrow. The weight of the earth on the moldboard is carried and cannot cause any friction on the landside.
The weight of the driver is mainly over the furrow wheel and is an advantage in keeping the plow down to its work.
The pole is on a swivel plate, and there is consequently no side draft and no weight on the horses’ necks. The plow can be backed the same as a wagon.
It is simple in its mechanism, easily operated and does the best work with the lightest draft of any plow ever made.
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