Dimensions: approx. 5 7/8 x 4 1/8 inches
Photographer/Publisher: J. Salmon Ltd. Sevenoaks, Kent. A Salmon Cameracolour Postcard. Printed in England.Â
Condition: In decent condition. Please check our images.
Text: Garrett Tractor No. 33419. Built 1919 for John Harkness & Sons for general haulage around Belfast Docks. In 1960’s converted to showman’s tractor.
Internal notes: QC passed
The year is 1919, and Belfast docks are a hive of activity. The Garrett Tractor No. 33419, fresh from the factory, stands proud amidst the bustling port, its imposing frame ready to take on the challenge of heavy haulage. The air is thick with the smell of coal smoke and salty sea spray, while the distant hum of cranes and clattering of carts form the soundtrack of progress. This tractor, built for John Harkness & Sons, is more than a machine—it is a workhorse, tirelessly transporting goods that fuel the city’s growth. You can almost hear the rhythmic chugging of its engine as it moves along cobbled streets, carrying cargo vital to trade and industry.
Fast forward to the 1960s, and the Garrett Tractor has been transformed into a dazzling showman’s engine. The once utilitarian giant now gleams with vibrant colours, intricate decorations, and festive lights, taking on a new life as it tours fairgrounds. Picture the excitement of the crowds, the gasps of awe as this grand machine powers fairground rides, its polished brass and bold lettering shining under the bright lights. It no longer hauls cargo but carries memories, joy, and a sense of wonder to children and adults alike. The transformation is a testament to its enduring craftsmanship and the ingenuity of its owners.
This postcard captures not just a machine but an entire century of history, adaptation, and human endeavour. To hold this image is to hold a piece of Belfast’s industrial heritage and a fragment of the fairgrounds’ magic. It is a connection to the past, a bridge to the stories of the men and women who built and relied on these magnificent engines. Whether for a collector of vintage postcards or a lover of industrial history, this card is a treasure that resonates with the heartbeat of a bygone era.
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