Fenn No. 2 Lead Pipe or Valve?

[FreeBirdTim]

Found this at a colonial site about 10 inches down. Maybe it isn't old, but I can't find any info online. It's a lead pipe or valve with "Fenn No. 2" stamped on both sides. Any guesses as to how old and what it was used for would be appreciated.

 

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[Gambrinus]

It could be a part off this machine. The threads look to be very fine too be a standard pipe fitting.
https://www.amazon.com/Service-Rotary-Stationary-Swaging-Machine/dp/B004TH5794

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Yes, very fine threads. Not sure what it would go into that required threads like that.

 

[Tpmetal]

i dont think they are threads due to the taper of the item. I think this would be pressure fit, like a keg tap or something.

 

[pepperj]

I'd go with a barrel tap as well, being tapered with the rib lines.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Very interesting! That would be really cool if it was a keg tap, especially if it was really old. Lead would be a bad idea for a keg tap, so it could be colonial. Can't get much info about the Fenn company, but I'll keep looking.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Found this old TNet thread from 2011 mentioning lead barrel taps. One of the photos shows a tap almost the same as mine. Looks to be from the 1850's or older! So it may very well be a colonial relic.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/240678-solved-lead-barrel-tap.html

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Here's the photo:

 

[pepperj]

Very interesting! That would be really cool if it was a keg tap, especially if it was really old. Lead would be a bad idea for a keg tap, so it could be colonial. Can't get much info about the Fenn company, but I'll keep looking.

It would be interesting to see what the lead contamination was back in the day when it was used in so many ways. Lead pipes had a way of getting a lime coating on the inside and deemed safe for potable water by the Toronto City. But having it as a barrel tap and having something acidic as beer or alcohol based fluid one would have to wonder.

Now was lead pre/post of brass/bronze barrel taps, or a cheaper version?

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Might have been a cheaper version, but maybe just older. I dug up two scale weights at this spot that were also lead. And I've found musket balls and 1700's flat buttons here, so I'm going with colonial era right now. Could be later, though.

I'll keep researching the Fenn company. That will be the key to dating this relic.

 

[Tpmetal]

Glad my half baked idea was of some help

 

[Icewing]

It's a barrel tap, here's a couple more.



Click the link for a closer look.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?...608029261851396939&selectedIndex=5&ajaxhist=0

 

[4x4x4]

Found this at a colonial site about 10 inches down. Maybe it isn't old, but I can't find any info online. It's a lead pipe or valve with "Fenn No. 2" stamped on both sides. Any guesses as to how old and what it was used for would be appreciated.


View attachment 1490531View attachment 1490532View attachment 1490533View attachment 1490534

Different brand and yours has no "pail hook" but these guys are on the right track !

 

[sutphin]

NICE TAP FIND..