Red Jacket Water Pump ~ Gate City, Virginia - USA.
N 36° 38.337 W 082° 34.800
17S E 358750 N 4055983
Antique well pumps can been seen all over the country, near farmhouses and still working, or in antique shops as reminders of the past. These pumps were an important part of daily life and were once as common as the kitchen faucet is today. While old pumps may look alike, there were several different kinds made by many manufacturers.
Waymark Code: WM1237M
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 02/15/2020
Views: 3
Red Jacket was established in 1887. Their well water pumps were of high quality and easy to repair. It gets its name from “Red Jacket,” a Seneca Indian chief and famed orator. He was decorated with the first Congressional Medal of Honor by George Washington for his help to American patriots during the Revolutionary War.
Collectors love them for their unique designs and the bit of whimsy they add to homes and gardens.
The Simple Hand Pump
The earliest of the antique pump designs was the simple hand pump. This type of pump had a lever and could only be hand pumped. Each lever stroke produced a flowing gush of water through the cylinder of the pump and out the pump's spout.
Double Cylinder Pump
The double cylinder pump was a more efficient method of pumping the water from the well. The two cylinders of the pump extended into the well water. When the lever was pumped, the water was brought through the cylinder to the spout. While one cylinder was emptying out its water, the other cylinder was refilling. The double cylinders brought twice as much water to the surface with each pump of the lever, making less work.
Well Pump Manufacturers
Manufacturers of early well pumps were usually small, regional companies. It was common for each area to have several pump manufacturers that produced many styles and types of pumps. Due to the vast number of well pump combinations, the small local companies were able to stop the large companies from selling well pumps as they came into the regional areas. Instead the larger companies, such as International Harvester Company and Deere & Company, manufactured and sold pump accessories such as well water pumping engines and pump jacks.
This old pump is just a display now, but is a local relic from Scott County. I do know they made gasket repair kits for these Red Jacket pumps once upon a time.
Is it Working: no
Nearest Address:
132 West Jackson Street
Gate City, Virginia United States of America
24251
Good place to park: N 36° 38.326 W 082° 34.786
How to find.:
Store closed and pump has been removed.
Visiting Restrictions:
No longer on display.
Does this pump have a presence on the internet?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
A quality photograph of the old hand operated pump showing another feature with or without someone or GPSr in view. Describe your route to the pump, perhaps.