It was whilst attending a deceased collectors dispersal sale at Grassthorpe, near Newark in September 2011 that my son Mike and I saw a pile of bits on a pallet. The first time round viewing things we just went past, but later on seeing the name Pilter and the chevron gears we looked again and realised that this was a water pump which we had not seen the likes of before.
A quick check over and we were fairly certain that the only major part missing was the cylinder head, which on studying the pump a bit more was realised to be only a flat plate. A decision was made that if the price was right we would bid on it. As it turned out there was only us and one other bidder, we think he was a scrap man as it was knocked down to us for scrap money.
On getting home we did a quick assembly to check how it all went together and confirm what was missing. Apart from the head, a cross shaft and a couple of bolts, it was all there.
Before starting the conservation/restoration I undertook some research and found that the pump was a model 82 (not difficult when 82 is cast in the air vessel an is stamped all over the pump) but there was very little information available on the internet. A few emails later and still there was no additional information, but all who saw the photos stated they had never seen another. Further research suggests the pump to be from approx 1910.
The restoration started with the trolley, an ex-work colleague did the woodwork for me using some period reclaimed timber from our local pier. Stripping the last few bits to their component parts was the easiest I have ever found, they all came apart as though assembled yesterday.
Starting with the cast base, each piece was cleaned to remove the loose rust whilst trying to preserve what original paint remained. It would appear that when the pump was new, a cast manufactures name and address was chiselled off and painted over. TH Pilter as far as is known never manufactured their own equipment, but bought in. One side has some definition of letters remaining and it was only in about 2020 that this was fully deciphered as NOEL A PARIS USINES DE LA FLIE LIVERDUN M-M (translates as:- A. Noel, Factories in Paris & Liverdun).
The cylinder is brass-tube lined, fitted after casting. The valve seats are again brass, but cast in situ. The non-return valves are just a bit bigger than golf balls and rubber covered, but are very heavy, possibly with a lead centre. The steel plate carrying two of the valve cages was very heavily corroded due to galvanic action, to such an extent that one cage had broken off. A new steel bar and cage were made and the good old cage reused. Fortunately only one or two nuts and bolts were missing as they nearly all have special threads rather than the modern standards we are used to.
Rather than use leather Cup Washers, which, it was felt would not last long, being used only occasionally, a nylon piston fitted with an O ring has been used as a direct replacement. This has been done with modifying the pump in any way. A new cast iron cylinder head has been turned up and replicate the pattern on the one at the other end of the cylinder.
All the castings have been coated with a Boiled linseed Oil/white spirit mix to enhance the remaining paintwork and lining. The bright work has been polished and new flanges and pipe work added to enable it to be exhibited at shows.
Pumping capacity is 1100 galls per hour, price in c1912 was £27.00.
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