Original Piece Of Empire State Building Going To Auction
January 25th, 2016 - Dublin
We are auctioning a water pump gauge which was part of original plumbing installation of the Empire State Building C.1930
The item will go live at 23.30 GMT (NYC 18.30 EST) on Sunday February 21st 2016 on a seven day eBay auction. Search eBay after that date to view or bid.
Coming to market from its private owner Mr Brian Purcell who was foreman on the 1080's refit of The Empire States Pump room received the gauge from the engineering department as a memento. The gauge was from pump number 5 which used to pump water to the very top floor of the building.The original installation of the gauge was there from the inception of the building and lasted surprisingly long gathering a wonderful patina which greatly adds to it character.Early in its lifetime it was cruelly painted with a drab green paint over the blackened brass, presumably to make it more visible. this same drab paint can be seen on parts of the old pump in the photographs.the 800 pounds per inch rating of the pump gives some idea of the loads involved to push the water to the top floor.
Brian can be contacted directly should you wish an interview.