FLETCHER RUSSELL & CO. LTD/ WARRINGTON MANCHESTER & LONDON Thomas Fletcher (1840-1903) had established a gas appliance manufactory in Thynne Street, Warrington by the 1880s. By 1895 the company had become Fletcher Russell and Co Gas Engineers, his firm having merged with Alexander and William Russell of Pendleton Iron Works. In 1950, the firm merged into Radiation Ltd which was later acquired by 'TI New World. In the early 1880s Thomas Fletcher was a registered dentist who went on to found a dental apparatus manufacturing business. He later diversified into producing equipment for blacksmiths, foundries, forging and other sectors. The company had grown to 900 employees in 1914. These foot-operated bellows were for pumping gas to keep the patient relaxed while the dentist worked on their teeth. They were later modified for a variety of uses where a continual flow of air was needed.These bellows are representative of a range of devices developed in the late 19th Century to assist in manufacturing. They were donated to our collection by a Wodonga resident.A set of foot bellows made from timber, metal and leather. The bellows were activated by pressing up and down on the metal step-shaped lever at the front. The air outlet on one side would have a hose attached to it to direct the air current to wherever it was needed. The bellows are made from leather. The manufacturers mark is attached to the top within a metal circle.On top of Bellows in a circle: "FLETCHER RUSSELL & CO./ WARRINGTON/ MANCHESTER / LONDON"foot bellows, fletcher russell & co. ltd.

Foot bellows

Foot bellows, for glass blowing and hot flames.

In the Middle Ages double-acting bellows was introduced. It had 2 parts, one operated by hand or foot, the other took air from it and was weighted so it forced air out while the part was filling. Blacksmithing is the shaping of hot iron and steel, usually by hammering. Very hot fires were produced by 1.a hot air blast. 2. burning charcoal (not wood). Bellows were used to make tools, fix equipment including machinery, drays, carriages, harnesses etc. Farmers in the Kiewa Valley often had their blacksmith forge. They made their own tools, were able to mend equipment, drays etc., gates, and most items that were made of iron and steel.Large Double Acting bellow with wooden top and bottom, shaped like a 'water drop' - narrow at one end and broad at the other. The wood is held by strips of wood and leather bound and placed around the perimeter. The wood on the top side has inscriptions (illegible). The wood on the bottom side has a rectangular hole. The narrow end feeds into a pipe to enable the fire to receive a hot blast of air. When the bellow is squeezed it allows both pieces of wood to be pushed together.Illegibleblackmiths, bellows, double acting bellow

Hand operated Bellows vacuum cleaner. Previously #27 The “Baby Daisy” Vacuum Cleaner is constructed from timber, steel and leather bellows. It has a carry handle fixed to the top. The base is approx. 500mm x 250mm. The height is approx 400mm. On one side is a bracket for a handle (missing) used to operate the bellows. The device is mounted on a foot plate that is split. On one side of the bellows is a circular metal detachable hatch, fixed by wing-nuts. This has a central hole for a tube (missing). Attached internally to this hatch is a cloth dust collection bag. The metal hatch has the following moulded words arranged in a circular fashion. 'DAISY Vacuum Cleaner). There are two brass plates fixed to the side of the cleaner above the hatch. These plates are stamped with 'Rd. No. 518080 and Rd. No. 530353' Gold printed Labels on the side say the following. BABY DAISER Vacuum Cleaner. Registered England. No. 518080/7 No. 530353/08 Trade Mark No.294851 /07 Designs France No. 25469/08 Germany No. 330219 / 08 Further Patents applied for. In the centre of the label is a picture of a Daisy Flower. With the words Iles Patent. This is surrounded by a ribbon with the words. 'The Daisy Registered Trade Mark'. On one side near the base of the cleaner the number '7749' is stamped into the metal.fBaby Daisydomestic equipment, cleaning, vacuum cleaner