1874 – Broadsheet mail order advertisement for Cucumber Wood Pumps and Galvanized Iron Water Wheel
West Chester, Pennsylvania: 1874. Envelope or Cover. This large broadsheet was printed in red and measures just over 9” x 12”. It was distributed through the mail by R. & E. Palmer of West Chester, Pennsylvania. This sheet was sent to William Potts of Parksburg, Pennsylvania along with a short letter quoting prices for several types of pipe. Its envelope is franked with a 3-cent stamp (Scott #158) canceled with a West Chester postmark. In nice shape with three small glassine paper mends.
One side of this impressive advertisement features a large illustration of a bulbus hydraulic ram pump made from cucumber wood with a homestead farmhouse in the background. The advertising text claims it is “the best in the market for raising water, where a small supply is required, and when properly adjusted requires less attention than any other similar apparatus known. The ad notes the company can also supply bath boiler, water closets, and wash stands as well as “attend to” “all kinds of plumbing, gas & steam fitting(s). . ..”
The reverse features a large illustration of a galvanized iron water wheel and force pump. The advertising text notes that this item was patented by and exclusive to the company, and that it was “a most complete and perfect apparatus for conveying water to farms, hotels, schools and country residences . . . the most durable [and] simple in constructions.” It was especially good for “driving churns, grindstones, turning lathes, circular saws or for grinding feed.”
. Very good. Item #010311The cucumber tree is a member of the magnolia family and received its name because it bears fruit resembling a cucumber. Its wood is light, soft, close-grained, brittle and was frequently used in pump construction.
An attractive mail-order advertisement
.Price: $150.00