Robinson & Auden traction engine No 1376 Little Buttercup is in Jimmer Marsh’s works, well on the way to completion.
Tony Drewitt adjusts the pump arms on his 1889-built Shand Mason hand-operated fire pump. With the arms outfolded, 10 or 11 people could man the appliance; as only half-a-dozen firemen could travel with the vehicle, the service relied on local assistance at the fire!
Another pride and joy of Tony’s is a street barrel organ. This hand-pushed and handturned machine has been fully restored and features a barrel containing more than 8000 pins. Its principle of operation is identical to that of a music box, once so commonly found on bedroom dressing tables, however this one is slightly larger! The device was built by Chiappa in London in 1900. With the detachable handle fitted he regaled us for some time with melodies from the turn of the century and one or two later tunes including Swedish Rhapsody, Arizona and Daisy-Daisy.
The business end of‘Bromley’. The engine is beautifully looked after in its own log cabin.
In addition we also had the chance to study his manual Shand Mason fire pump dating from 1889. This too has been fully restored and is operational as was demonstrated to us at the time. With lunchtime approaching we all then repaired to the local inn, the Frog & Nightgown. Regretfully a refreshing coffee was all we had time for, as we were to dash off to our next venue to view Shand Mason No 1897 ‘Warnham Court’, believed to have been built in 1902. ‘Warnham Court’ is housed in a private museum near Horsham so we were most privileged to be given permission to view the engine. It hasn’t been out for many years, but is kept in excellent condition in a delightful building with many other historical artefacts, mostly related to deer breeding and other countryside pursuits. I am indebted to Jonathan Lucas for allowing this visit. ❱
Shand Mason‘Warnham Court’is displayed in a private museum. Built in 1902, a brass plate confirms its works number as 1897. Essentially complete, the vehicle looks well.
No 1144‘Bromley’is believed to have been built in 1897.
General view inside the Kent Firefighting Museum. OLD GLORY MARCH 2017 | 33