RAILforum: Ashton Valve company

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Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

Ashton safety valve circular #56A

https://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 :

Train Shed Encyclopedia #40. A reprint from 1927

https://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 :

The company's phone number in 1890 and telegraphic code in London from 1899

https://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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

The 1906 catalog

https://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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

The International maritime exposition, Boston,Ma 1889

http://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 1892

http://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 1881

http://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 :

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 Fair

http://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 :

1921 Boston Textile show

http://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 Exposition

http://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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

Information from the 1922 book, Engines and Boilers

http://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 :

Ashton recording gauge circular #73

http://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 :

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 :

Antique Maine Central Railroad Locomotive Steam Gauge c. 1895 Converted to Mantle Clock

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5FXQiRhrDc

Posted by Rick A (Member # 197721) on :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

Interesting gauge and testing equipment article from the 1908 Handbook for the care and operation of Naval Machinery

http://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 :

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 :

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 :

Some of the old Ashton catalogs are nw available on archive.org.

https://archive.org/details/ashtonvalvetradecatalogs