Sold August 2006 Back to Archive

Vertical steam pump - stock code 2604

I bought this, intrigued by the valve mechanism which I'd never seen before. The valve rod works from a spring-loaded over-centre lever - as the piston rod goes down, the valve stays fully open to steam until, at the last moment, it snaps to the opposite end of its travel, letting steam into the other end of the cylinder. Difficult to convey in words just how satisfying it is to watch! Never seen another one like it (which means that I'll be inundated with them next week), very nicely made.

Height 6 1/2 inches