Featured Boiler Gauge

Found an antique Bigelow Boiler Works steam gauge. I've seen many gauges in the 5 to 10 inch diameter size, but this ones a brute. . . 15 inch diameter & about 25 lbs. of solid brass. The question is, what most likely was it's application ?

 

Not sure the exact application but I'm sure there's plenty of industrial applications for large steam gauges. Is this gauge in psi?

 

No psi labeling, just the numerals.

 

Could've been on most any boiler, even at that size, as it's quite visible. Possibly a train, ship, large building etc.
I like it. It's in great shape actually.

 

Spring may have some ideas for you.

 

It may look OK cosmetically but it does seem to be stuck. Possibly a Bourdon tube gauge

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure_measurement

 

True....
Maybe it's just stressed about its future...

 

LOL @ stressed!

 

Was probably on a stationary boiler in a building somewhere based on the thin supply pipe. Might work as a fancy compressed air gauge in our hoardatorium/machine shop. We'll be repairing a large compressor in near future, to supply the shop's other machines, and we could see this from anywhere in the shop. If u take the back off and the mechanism looks undamaged, might just need mechanical adjustment as simple as re-aligning a pinion and sector gear. Undoubtedly it reads in units of "psig"'or "pounds-per-square-inch-gauge."

 

Thanks to all for the info. It's large size gives it presence. Since posting, I've determined it dates from 1907-29 from the design of the Ashcroft logo (manufacturer) - this one may be from the early part of that date range due to the all brass construction... steel back flange used on later versions according one source. I only cleaned the dirt & grime off, then a light coat of wax. . I'm not a fan of polishing brass on industrial items, it took 100 years to get it's patina, and I'll leave it be.