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Unbelievable beauty in the utilitarian....

James Burke

Being a grandpa is more fun than working
Eons before the days of CNC, there was art nearly everywhere you looked. Oh how I long for days gone by. I believe the seller stated that it was from the early 1900s.

But back then, the water heater used to be a kitchen appliance...so it had to look nice.

Can you imagine working in the "Make it look pretty department" of most any industry back then?

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James Burke

Being a grandpa is more fun than working
You gonna get it running?
I didn't buy it...just saw it on Marketplace. It would most likely be dangerous to operate after all these years.

But believe me, if I had the extra cash laying around I would buy it just to look at.

I bought a new RUUD nearly two years ago and it didn't look nearly as ornate as this one.

JB
 

James Burke

Being a grandpa is more fun than working
Steampunk at its finest...

Here's what one another model looks like when disemboweled and reconfigured. Obviously the pressure gauges and a few other items are not original to the appliance. But it's still a work of art.

JB
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GAC05

Quit buggin' me
Looks really cool. Why did they call it a cock?
To grab the attention of signmakers from Texas long enough for them to read all of the instructions. Keeps them distracted so they don't put their private parts on any of the glowing-red, cast iron parts while it is running. It's a 1907 OSHA thing.
 
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James Burke

Being a grandpa is more fun than working
What was the process for printing those instruction plates? They still look good.
Typically, screen-printed enamel I believe. The metal plates were most likely acid etched or stamped. The serial numbers were stamped on later.

JB
 

Gino

Premium Subscriber
Whom gets to dust that one in your living room ??


Moody has a pet cock. He even names it.
 
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garyroy

New Member
If someone restored that old RUUD water heater, that thing could go in an art museum.
Very cool engineering and beautiful design, :cool:
 
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James Burke

Being a grandpa is more fun than working
If someone restored that old RUUD water heater, that thing could go in an art museum.
Very cool engineering and beautiful design, :cool:
I say put it in an art museum just as it is. The rusty patina is priceless.


JB
 
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MikePro

Active Member
I wonder if women ever complained about how many cocks required manipulation in the morning.
 
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