invent4hir
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- Aug 1, 2017
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All, please help ID and date the 2 finds shown below. They were found near the site of a former textile mill built in the early 1800s and wiped out by a flood in 1847. According to the history book, the mill never converted from water to steam power. Some late 1800s artifacts were also found in the area. So either they were lost by someone on site after the mill’s destruction or they came down the mill race (that survived until at least 1925). Therefore the 2 finds in question could date during or after the mill. My guess as to the ID, the dimensions, and any markings found are listed. Thanks-in-advance for helping, as both will be donated to a local historical society for a display.
1. Brass “Hays” valve: See photos 1-5. Overall dimensions are 2 ½” L by 2 1/8” H. The hex end is 1 3/8” while the I.D. is 7/8”. “Hays” logo appears on both sides. It looks similar to the gate valve on the internet at https://picclick.com/Vintage-CRANE-150-Gate-Valve-BRASS-Steam-Punk-153058880568.html. I contacted the Hays Fluid Controls but have not received a reply. I was hoping they could date it based on the logo.
2. Brass saddle part(?): See photos 6-10. Overall dimensions are 5” L by ½” W by ½” H. This find really has me stumped. The pair of washers on the broken center rivet looks like something (perhaps leather) was once between them. I looked at a diagram of a western saddle but didn’t find anything close.
1. Brass “Hays” valve: See photos 1-5. Overall dimensions are 2 ½” L by 2 1/8” H. The hex end is 1 3/8” while the I.D. is 7/8”. “Hays” logo appears on both sides. It looks similar to the gate valve on the internet at https://picclick.com/Vintage-CRANE-150-Gate-Valve-BRASS-Steam-Punk-153058880568.html. I contacted the Hays Fluid Controls but have not received a reply. I was hoping they could date it based on the logo.
2. Brass saddle part(?): See photos 6-10. Overall dimensions are 5” L by ½” W by ½” H. This find really has me stumped. The pair of washers on the broken center rivet looks like something (perhaps leather) was once between them. I looked at a diagram of a western saddle but didn’t find anything close.