General Antiques and Collectibles Spring Auction
Lot 559:
Description
C-18011
Marine supply foundries of the early 20th century produced compact brass bilge pumps like this one for small craft, skiffs, and workboats, where dependable manual water removal was essential. A tall, cylindrical hand-operated bilge pump fashioned with a heavy brass barrel, cast iron yoke, and a painted wooden grip. The upper housing features threaded intake and discharge ports along with a raised foundry mark, indicating manufacture for marine service. Operated by a simple vertical stroke, the design allowed sailors, fishermen, and dock workers to clear water from the bilge quickly and without additional equipment-a necessary safeguard in the days before onboard electrics became standard.
The pump retains its honest working character, showing oxidation across the brass body, wear to the cast iron handle, and paint loss to the grip from long-term maritime use.
20" L
Share this lot:
