Massey Discussion Forums > Massey Talk > Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Well as I prepare to head off to the airport, just catching up with all these recent posts I thought I would post a final piece of "Massey Cast Iron" hidden behind a lovely enamel case, it gives off plenty of heat Gary but sincerely hope we don't have a "blow up"

Malcolm.

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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Thought I would post this favourite piece of my cast iron memorabilia - but it's non-Massey!!

I have now nearly finished refurbishing the old farm water pump which used to be at my grandfather's farm and very near the MH factory in Manchester.  It is about 150 years old and made by a company called J Thom of Patricroft, England who operated out of Canal works very nearby.  This was obviously on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal - one of the first commercial canals in the world.

This pump would have been operated by my great great grandfather and I want to pass it down to my grandsons so he will be their great, great, great ,great grandfather.  I trust that in the fullness of time they will appreciate my efforts! 

Refurbishment has involved newly bushing out the pump/hand crank mechanism, cast iron welding two broken lugs, new leather clack valve and new leather piston valve - the latter two specially made out of high quality leather for an arm and a leg by a rare specialist supplier of this type of thing.  Cleaning and re-painting with a touch up job still to be done.  Also a new brass piston push rod which had got badly bent at some point.

I intend to put a sump underneath the inlet pipe at the bottom so the lads can actively pump it.  Over years it would have provided thousands of gallons of water to the farm's cattle and pigs, and the thirsty Massey workers before mains water was installed to the farm. 

I should also mention that there was always MH equipment on this farm and indeed my grandfater used to test MH equipment for the MH factory just up the road before it was released on to the British market.  So although it was not an MH pump (they were never sold in the UK) it did serve proudly with MH machines and men.

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Just to show that I have not been idle or going around with my eyes closed this summer here are a few small cast iron items that I purchased off George Smyth prior to his sale.  Again little items but I feel they are quite artistically made - and they will not be making them again so important to gather them up and preserve them.

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Also in the container that has just arrived from Canada were bits and pieces of cast iron memorabilia.  I hope that they will show that I was not wasting my time up in Canada and that there is still stuff out there to be picked up - just keep your eyes open!

The first piece is one that I have been after for years and I was very lucky to be offered it.  It is the smoke box door from a Sawyer Massey steam tractor - quite a heavy item - but rare.  There are several styles of these according to tractor model.  It would be nice to have a collection of them all - keep on wishing!

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

In amongst my haul of cast iron from Canada is this MF Ski Whizz route marking stick -not cast iron but quality Canadian timber!

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Here's a drawbar for an old MH tractor.  This is real iron!  It's for an MH model 12-20.  I actually have a use for it!

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

This piece may leave a few of you guessing.  It's a rarely looked at piece of an MH 25 tractor - the under belly drawbar hitch point point.   I bought it believing that it would fit on my MH 12-20 which needed one, and for which I had just bought a drawbar.  Sadly they are two different hitches so I will have to go on another mooch around Ontario to find one!  It is nevertheless a nice piece to have on the shelves - bold and strong just as things used to be made!

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Another item I picked up in Canada.  I think it is a spanner for an MH cream separator - can anyone substantiate on this?

John
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RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

John It would be interesting to identify this spanner (wrench).The only picture that I have is a socket with a pin handle #12028T that was sent out with the General Purpose Tractor but I don't think it is the same as the one that you have. So if anyone can help please. Alan

RE:Cast Iron M-H Memorabilia

Here's a mysterious piece of memorabilia.  Anyone have any idea what it is off?  It is marked M-H and J633 which you can just about see.
John
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