This is topic Ashton Valve company in forum Railroad News at RAILforum. To visit this topic, use this URL:http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/6/137.html Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-13-2019 11:05 AM :
In 1871 my ancestor Henry Ashton started the Ashton Valve Company after inventing the POP SAFETY VALVE. It was an immediate success and saved many lives due to the boiler explosion problems of the mid 1800's. Railroads were the main focus of the company although they also supplied all types of steam related parts for Locomotives, marine ships, and stationary boilers. Here's a simple history of the company.https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Ashton_Valve_Co And a little history about Henry Ashton.https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Henry_George_Ashton
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-14-2019 06:28 PM :
Information on the pop safety valve. The item that put the company on the map.https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/images/1/1b/Im20180530RB-AshtonPatent.jpg https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/2a/8b/81/b5be4dcdbd30eb/US123546.pdf https://www.smokstak.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=342442&d=1566957540
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-17-2019 10:51 AM :
They advertised heavily in the trade journals of the time.https://www.steamlocomotive.com/appliances/ashtonAds1.pdf https://www.steamlocomotive.com/appliances/ashtonAds2.pdf
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-19-2019 01:35 PM :
In 1892 the company purchased the Boston Steam Gauge company and entered the gauge business. Soon their gauges became as well know for their quality as the safety valves were. Today, the old gauges go for decent money on ebay and have been adopted by the Steampunk movement to make lamps and other industrial items.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1600187&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1600187&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1600187&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1600187&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=2
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-19-2019 06:21 PM :
The company's first "home" was at 138 Pearls Street, Boston. In less than a year they were burned out by the Great Boston fire of 1872. The next few years they were at various locations in Boston. After another fire in 1879 they settled in at 271 Franklin Street, Boston where they remained for 27 years. 1907 saw the company outgrowing Franklin Street and building a much larger facility at 161 First Street, East Cambridge, where they were until 1948 when they moves to Wrentham ,Ma with the Crosby Valve Company. That was the final home of Ashton Valve. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1613972&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1613972&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1613972&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1613972&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-21-2019 11:00 AM :
Many factories were purchased by the War Department during WWII and used to manufactures materials for the war effort. The Ashton Valve company was one of those. The continued to make gauges and safety valves, but now exclusively for Naval ships. The Defense Plant Corporation was the branch of the government assigned to this task. Here's a link to more information about them and a couple of letters that show the Ashton Valve's involvement. http://what-when-how.com/the-american-economy/defense-plant-corporation-dpc/ https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1591416&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1591416&slide=1
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-22-2019 07:55 AM :
Some of the key people involved with the company.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1597788&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-22-2019 11:57 AM :
At a Yankee Steam Up a couple of years ago someone gave me an original stock certificate from 1877. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1613082&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-22-2019 12:03 PM :
A list has survived which shows the serial numbers of gauges from 1895-1922 and the quantities of gauges produced per year. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/page-3#lg=post-1614632&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-31-2019 01:35 PM :
A few of the gauges in my collection.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577788&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577788&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577788&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577954&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577954&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/#lg=post-1577954&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/page-2#lg=post-1597986&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/page-2#lg=post-1602857&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-01-2019 08:29 PM :
Association member photos. Many of the Ashton Valve executives and sales force belonged to industry groups.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1615193&slide=5
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on 11-02-2019 12:49 PM :
Wow, how times have changed: 1) Corporations with their product in their names. 2) The railroad tradition of two initials and surname to identify someone. 3) Not a gal in sight.
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-02-2019 07:32 PM :
How true! Not a woman in sight. Yet, their conventions had some of the wives organizing women's events and occasional day trips for couples. My great grandfather actually brought his mother to a convention and Henry Ashton,(the founder), brought his wife to one convention for years. When he passed away at 49 years old she attended the convention anyway.
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-02-2019 07:40 PM :
They also had Engine room and marine clocks. They produced the body and the works were supplied by companies like Chelsea, Seth Thomas, and Howard.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/#lg=post-1579461&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1606156&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-05-2019 09:10 PM :
In the 1896 catalog there are a few items that were not produced by Ashton Valve but are related to the industry. Here are pages of a few of them.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1617985&slide=5
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on 11-06-2019 05:55 AM :
Interesting to learn, Mr. Ashton, that the Company marketed clocks, and possibly other instruments such as barometers, under their own name. Chelsea of course marketed marine instruments under own name as well. Of interest, my Father first acquired a Chelsea Clock and Barometer during '53. He used them on three different boats through '91. Today those pieces are in my Sister's house in Greenwich - and are still chiming "Eight Bells".
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-06-2019 08:30 AM :
That's great. The Chelsea clock company is still going strong in Chelsea Mass. They recently downsized a bit and moved to a smaller facility nearby. My clock is in perfect working order although my family has told me it's way too loud. The ticking drives them crazy! To be honest, it is very loud.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on 11-06-2019 10:17 AM :
I must wonder how many of our "landlubbers" around here know the significance of "eight bells"? I doubt if I would, had I not grown up in a nautical family. GBN; Cadet; Fairfield Navy (Ret.)
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-09-2019 03:05 PM :
I know it has something to do with the end of a watch, but I'm not sure of any details. Can you explain how it started?
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-09-2019 03:09 PM :
Ashton safety valve circular #56Ahttps://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618357&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618357&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618357&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618357&slide=3
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-09-2019 03:13 PM :
Ashton pop safety valve circular C2https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618527&slide=5 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618528&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-12-2019 03:53 PM :
Train Shed Encyclopedia #40. A reprint from 1927https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618534&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618534&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618534&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618534&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1618534&slide=4
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-15-2019 03:34 PM :
most of the items the company produced could be repaired. Instruction Book #17 contained breakdowns and repair parts for most of themhttps://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620635&slide=5 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620636&slide=5 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620637&slide=5 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620639&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620639&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620639&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620639&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620639&slide=4
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 07:52 PM :
The company's phone number in 1890 and telegraphic code in London from 1899https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620650&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1620650&slide=1
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 07:55 PM :
In the past when steam trains let off excess steam at a station the noise could be extremely loud. The city of Boston looked into this problem as the complaints mounted up. Ashton Valve came up with a solution that proved very popular with the Train companies. A muffler! Same idea as on automobiles. And the blow back valves actually saved steam that used to be wasted.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621511&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 07:57 PM :
The state of Massachusetts looked into the noise problem of steam locomotives and here's a copy of a report.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621513&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621513&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621513&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621513&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1621513&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 08:00 PM :
The Ashton catalogs not only had new products and the regular offerings but always a firm statement of the company's purpose and intent. They make for interesting reading. Here's the 1896 catalog.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-3#lg=post-1622623&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 08:02 PM :
The 1906 cataloghttps://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622625&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 08:05 PM :
The 1920 catalog.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622628&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2019 08:07 PM :
And catalog 28.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622629&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622629&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622629&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622629&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-4#lg=post-1622629&slide=5
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-01-2019 12:33 PM :
Ashton patent steam gage. Ashton Valve bought out the Boston Steam Gauge company in 1892 and entered the gauge market. They immediately offered their own Ashton patent steam gage. The 1896 catalog page says the item was patented in 1891, a year before they even purchased the Boston Steam Gauge company, who they purchased for a particular patent BSG owned. I wonder if it's the same patent?https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/page-3#lg=post-1622388&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/the-ashton-gauge-page.187144/page-3#lg=post-1622388&slide=1
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-03-2019 03:21 PM :
Mullens Paper Tester Ever wonder how the strength of paper or textile material is figured? In 1877 B.F. Perkins invented the Mullens Paper Tester. The gauge,(many of which were produced by Ashton Valve) would read the pressure at which the paper burst. These machines are still produced today. https://books.google.com/books?id=JL...page&q&f=false https://books.google.com/books?id=4B...page&q&f=false https://www.mullentesters.com/testers.html https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1602438&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1602438&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1602438&slide=2
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-04-2019 07:36 AM :
The ideal alarm gauge was another practical item that could come in handy if the boiler room mechanic happened to fall asleep! When the pressure went too high, a loud alarm would go off.https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1601624&slide=5 http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3138&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3140&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-04-2019 07:45 AM :
Ashton Valve sanitary bubbler At the beginning of the 20th century people refreshed themselves at public fountains and all drank from the same COMMON CUP, as it was called. Well, sickness and death soon followed and Ashton Valve soon had their line of bubblers on the market. https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=0 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=1 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=2 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=3 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=4 https://www.smokstak.com/forum/threads/ashton-valve-company.187142/page-2#lg=post-1608803&slide=5 An article from the 1911 Metal Worker journal..http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3149&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3148&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3147&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3152&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3151&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3150&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-10-2019 04:14 PM :
An early form of a pressure gauge was a U shaped gauge. Here's a picture http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-3#lg=attachment91260&slide=0 http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3169&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 12-13-2019 03:34 PM :
Patents for steam whistles.https://patents.google.com/patent/US14562A/en?q=steam&q=whistle&q=patents&oq=+steam+whistle+++patents&page=3 https://patents.google.com/patent/US4541A/en?q=steam&q=whistle&q=patents&oq=+steam+whistle+++patents&page=5 https://patents.google.com/patent/USRE621E/en?q=steam&q=whistle&q=patents&oq=+steam+whistle+++patents&page=6 And more:https://patents.google.com/?q=steam&q=whistle&q=patents&oq=+steam+whistle+++patents
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:01 PM :
Trade shows have been around for a long long time. They are still the best way to show new product, connect with ones customers, and check out your competition. Almost everyone has been to a flower show, travel show, steam shows, etc. The Ashton Valve company participated in many shows each year. And a few World Fairs too. Here is an overview of some of the shows the Ashton Valve company were part of.https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/history-of-trade-shows.htm https://www.applerock.com/blog/post/history-trade-show-industry-first-trade-show Most shows were held yearly at different cities. Below is a small list of some of the trade shows Ashton Valve attended. Mass charitable mechanic association, Boston 1874 cincinnati Industrial expo 1881 national expo of railway appliances , chicago 1883 International maritime expo ,Boston 1889 Columbian Expo (world's fair) Chicago 1893 Paris expo, France 1900 Supply mens association convention, Boston 1902 Universal Expo (worlds fair) St. Louis 1904 National association of stationary engineers, Richmond 1904 International railway congress 1905 National engineer convention, Niagra Falls 1907 Air brake association convention 1917 International Textile expo Boston 1921 National exhibition of power and mechanical engineering, NYC 1922 The list goes on and on.... Next I'll highlight some of the shows that I was able to get pictures of Ashton Valve display booths or awards they received.http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91325&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91326&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91327&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:03 PM :
The International maritime exposition, Boston,Ma 1889http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91328&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91329&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91330&slide=0 Mass Fair National Export Exhibition 1892http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91331&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91332&slide=0 Cincinnati 1881http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91333&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91334&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:04 PM :
1893 World Columbian Expo (worlds fair) Chicago http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91335&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91336&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91337&slide=0 1899 National export expo Philadelphia, Pa.http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91338&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91339&slide=0 Paris 1900, the company won a few awards at this one.http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91340&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91341&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91342&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1900-paris-6-jpg.91343/ http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1900-paris-7-jpg.91344/ http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1900-paris-8-jpg.91345/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:09 PM :
1902 National Association of Stationary Engineers Boston,Ma.http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91346&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91347&slide=0 1904 St Louis World's Fairhttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1904-st-louis-1-jpg.91348/ http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91349&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1904-st-louis-4-jpg.91350/ http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1904-st-louis-5-jpg.91351/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:11 PM :
1904 Stationary Engineers Richmond,Vahttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91352&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1904-2-jpg.91353/ 1907 Stationary Engineers Convention Niagra Fallshttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91354&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91355&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91356&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1907-national-engineer-5-jpg.91357/ 1910 Rochester,NYhttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/1910-rochester-ny-1-jpg.91358/ http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91359&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-06-2020 09:13 PM :
1921 Boston Textile showhttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91360&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91361&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91362&slide=0 1921 NYC Marine Expositionhttp://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91363&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91364&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-20-2020 08:58 PM :
What better way to make a gauge easier to read in a dark boiler room than to illuminate it? I found one from around 1900 where the bulb was fixed behind the gauge, not always practical. Here's what Ashton Valve came up with.http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3272&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3271&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3271&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-20-2020 09:01 PM :
http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3275&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3274&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3273&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3278&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3277&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3276&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3281&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3280&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3279&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3284&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3283&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3282&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-20-2020 09:02 PM :
And these should throw a little light on the subject................http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3286&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3285&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-21-2020 03:51 PM :
The 1920 catalog included a few pages explaining the reasons that the Ashton pop safety valve was superior to it's competition.http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3290&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3291&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3292&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3295&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3294&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3293&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 02-26-2020 08:34 PM :
I love the old advertisement art. Besides some beautiful fonts used for the lettering you can get a god look at many of the other products being advertised. A bit of a time capsule.http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3299&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3300&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3301&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3304&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3303&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3302&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3307&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3306&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3305&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3310&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3309&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3308&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3313&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3312&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3311&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 03-17-2020 11:06 AM :
In 1900 The US was negotiating trade treaties with other countries, including France, to reduce the tariffs and sell more US goods overseas. Many US firms contacted the President, McKinley, to express their support for a new treaty. Ashton Valve was one of them.http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91541&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91542&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91543&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 03-20-2020 03:06 PM :
Articles about safety valves. Power magazine 1913 http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3335&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3334&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3333&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3338&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3337&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3336&mode=view Practical engineer 1909http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3341&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3340&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3339&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3344&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 03-30-2020 08:39 AM :
Information from the 1922 book, Engines and Boilershttp://railroadfan.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36818&start=100 http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3359&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3358&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3362&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3361&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 03-30-2020 01:56 PM :
Ashton recording gauge circular #73http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3365&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3366&mode=view http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-4#lg=attachment91582&slide=0 http://www.railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/img_20200206_103256-jpg.91581/ http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3367&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-03-2020 08:25 AM :
An old advert from an 1894 periodical "Around the Lakes". It was put out by the Detroit Drydock Company , a ship building company from around the turn of the century. Here is some information about the company.Henry Ford worked there when he was 17.http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3370&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3371&mode=view http://www.detroiturbex.com/content/industry/globe/index.html http://oldshipbuilder.com/SMMC.html https://detroithistorical.org/learn/encyclopedia-of-detroit/detroit-dry-dock-company http://detroit-ish.com/photos/detroit-dry-dockglobe-trading-company/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-13-2020 07:58 AM :
Antique Maine Central Railroad Locomotive Steam Gauge c. 1895 Converted to Mantle Clockhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5FXQiRhrDc
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-13-2020 08:00 AM :
Ashton Valve only used Jessop Steel, a UK steel manufacturer from Sheffield England for their valve springs. Here is some information about the company. Catalog page from the 1896 catalog.https://www.westyorkssteel.com/blog/thomas-jessop-man-steel-veins/ http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3391&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3392&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3393&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3395&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3394&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-20-2020 07:20 AM :
Ashton marble or slate tablets. An attractive way to display multiple gages on the wall of a boiler room. One of these was on ebay a few years ago. It weighed almost 500 pounds, being a large slab of 1" thick slate, and you had to pick it up. Here's a description from the 1914 catalog. " These tablets, like those on the following pages, are some of the most attractive designs for gages, both as to neatness of appearance and economy of space. They can be furnished in any style of marble or slate desired, and the prices include the necessary acorn nuts and gage screws. Name plates and wall bolts are always extra."http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3423&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3424&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3425&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3426&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3427&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3428&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3429&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3430&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3431&mode=view
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-24-2020 08:48 AM :
In 1892 Ashton Valve purchased the Boston Steam Gauge company and entered the gauge production market. Here's a bit of information about the gauges Boston Steam Gauge produced.https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/boston-steam-gauge-pdf.92021/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 04-24-2020 08:49 AM :
Hinkley Locomotive Works was a Boston based locomotive manufacturing enterprise that goes back to 1831. Here's an interesting file about the company. Henry Ashton, the founder of Ashton Valve, found his first job there in 1869. https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/hinkley-locomotive-works-pdf.92019/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 05-07-2020 10:57 AM :
Interesting gauge and testing equipment article from the 1908 Handbook for the care and operation of Naval Machineryhttp://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3464&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3463&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3462&mode=view http://railroadfan.com/phpbb/download/file.php?id=3465&mode=view https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-5#lg=attachment92500&slide=0 https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-5#lg=attachment92501&slide=0 https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/ashton-valve-company.14362/page-5#lg=attachment92502&slide=0
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 07-23-2020 11:14 AM :
An interesting sales letter from 1897. It looks like a form letter with the address of the company being approached typed in at a later date.https://railroadforums.com/forum/index.php?attachments/r-bowker-1897-jpg.113778/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 10-03-2020 12:34 PM :
I was recently contacted by a man who purchased an Ashton 3 chime whistle at a sale a few years back. It's a beauty. He sent me some pictures of the whistles. Take a look.https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?attachments/image0-jpeg.225210/ https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?attachments/image0-1-jpeg.225209/ https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?attachments/28-172-jpg.225212/
Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on 11-22-2020 04:19 PM :
Some of the old Ashton catalogs are nw available on archive.org.https://archive.org/details/ashtonvalvetradecatalogs
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