HWHII Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I bought this forge a couple of days ago. I cleaned her up, oiled and built a hood for her. I looked high and low and all over but did not find anything but cast numbers on the bottom of the pan. Does anyone have any idea what it might be or how old it is. The bolts are wrought iron. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McPherson Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Looks very similar to a Champion No. 1, circa 1890. Pump handles seem to have gone out of style after 1900. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgewayforge Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I would second that assesment. Anyone know why the pump handles went out of fashion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck in Ms Posted April 6, 2013 Share Posted April 6, 2013 Just a guess here, but the Champion 400 became available in 1899 and I think with its more compact design coupled with better efficiency and less maintenance the ratcheting forge was doomed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rookie523 Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 my son brought home what looks the same as yours it seems there is a pendulum there is the rod to drive from the handle but it is not connected how does that connect would there be a drawing somewhere thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 The rod is connected to the arm with the large counter weight on the end. my son brought home what looks the same as yours it seems there is a pendulum there is the rod to drive from the handle but it is not connected how does that connect would there be a drawing somewhere thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Turley Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 I got out my big 1894 catalog, and it shows many of the lever type forges, but none quite like yours. The Keystone brand forge had a large wheel with handle and operated with a roller chain. The Buffalo brand forges in my catalog look a little like yours, but the hearths appear to have less length. The Champion shown above is closer to yours in appearance. The style of tuyere with the raised circumference around it is termed a "duck-nest." . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted April 29, 2013 Author Share Posted April 29, 2013 Thanks Frank! It's a odd ball for sure. I have seen the pictures of the Champion and Buffalo but none like this one. I have done every I think but take it apart and the only markings I can find are some initals carved in the handle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.