October Fall Classic
Lot 1355c:
Description
This is a fantastic collection of vintage industrial and steam gauges and thermometers, likely salvaged from an old boiler, engine room, or processing plant. The central piece is a large Ashcroft 1850 U.S.A. pressure or compound gauge, featuring a crisp white face, a heavy black bezel, and a maximum reading of 800 (likely PSI or degrees F). Ashcroft is a legendary name in American instrumentation, founded in 1850, and their gauges are renowned for quality and durability, evidenced by the “PATENT DATES INSIDE” notation. Included are two thermometers: one is a brass-cased industrial thermometer stamped TAGLIABUE MFG. CO. N.Y.C. (a known Tagliabue or TAG maker), and the other, a slightly larger, chrome-cased thermometer marked TREFRICE, with a maximum of 290 degrees. Also present are two brass probes or thermowells—one L-shaped and one straight—that would have allowed the temperature-sensing elements to be submerged into the process stream. The gauges and thermometers exhibit significant, honest industrial wear, including heavy patina, tarnish, surface scratches, and some flaking paint, which collectors often desire for authenticity. The large gauge’s backing plate appears to have remnants of light green paint or residue, and the glass face on all pieces is intact but dirty. The metal casings show pitting and discoloration consistent with decades of use in a harsh environment. The large Ashcroft gauge measures H 14.5″, W 14.5″, D 2.5″. The brass-cased TAGLIABUE thermometer measures H 9″, W 2″, D 9″ (as described including the brass elbow/probe). The TREFRICE chrome-cased thermometer is estimated to be H 16″, W 2.5″, D 1′ (as described including the straight probe).
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