This pump is an Ajax Type L2 Series A model, made and sold by McPherson’s Pty Ltd of Melbourne circa 1930’s to 1940’s, is a mechanical, hand operated, constant flow pressure pump. It would have been used to pump fluids from one area to another, for example from a dam to a tank or used as a bilge pump on a small vessel, mounted on the vessel’s bulkhead, floor or deck. This type of hand pump is sometimes called a ‘Reciprocating Suction Pump’. It has a mechanical pumping action of the lever moves the piston inside the pump up and down. The water is lifted from below the pump through the inlet pipe and into the pump’s cylinder. This action causes the lower valve to close and the piston’s valve opens and the pressure within the pump forces the water out of the pump through the exit pipe. The limitation of this type of pump is that it can only raise the water a maximum of about 7 metres from beneath the ground and yields 24-26 Litres per minute. This type of pump could be used for many purposes such as pumping water or fuel. McPherson’s 1940’s advertisement proclaims “For all jobs on the land – irrigation, spraying, tank, plumbing, fire-fighting – there’s a suitable “Ajax” pump. Send us the details of you pumping problem. Our Expert’s advice will help you choose the right pump – the one that will give you most years of PROFITABLE PUMPING.” (The Australasian (Melbourne) Sat. 26th October 1940.) McPherson’s Pty Ltd, the manufacturer, advertised a similar pump to this one in The Australasian (Melbourne) in 1936, calling it the Ajax Double Acting Hand Pump. In 1942 another advertisement advised that a representative for a fire-fighting equipment supplier was visiting the western district of Victoria. The company could now supply double-action two-spray Ajax pumps at lower prices than similar pumps the district had recently purchased from Adelaide. McPHERSON’S FOUNDER and COMPANY TIMELINE 1860 – Thomas McPherson, a Scottish immigrant (c. 1853 ), founded McPherson’s in Melbourne, supplying pig iron (lead ingots imported as ballast in ships) to local manufacturers. 1882 – Thomas McPherson established a warehouse in Collins St Melbourne and included tools, steam fittings and machinery in his wares. The business expanded to include steam saw mills and became known as Thomas McPherson and Sons (William Murray and Edward). 1888 – Thomas passed away and his sons inherited the business. In 1896 William Murray became the sole proprietor after his brother Edward’s death. 1900 – The firm expanded, establishing Acme Bolt Company to manufacture nuts and bolts. 1912 – McPhersons Pty Ltd established a machinery warehouse and showroom in 554-556 Collins St Melbourne. McPherson’s went on to establish branches in Sydney (1911), Adelaide (1921) and Perth (1930) 1917 - McPherson’s supplied ‘dog spikes’ for the transcontinental railway, running from Eastern to Western Australia. 1918 – A tool works set up in Kensington, Melbourne, manufacturing Macson lathes and made machine tools that previously had to be imported. 1924 – The Bolt Works was transferred to a new building in Melbourne. McPhersons began making pumps. 1929 – McPherson retired. His son (Sir) William Edward McPherson (known as ‘WE’), was born in Hawthorne, Melbourne, in 1898. After his education he began work in his father’s Melbourne hardware and machinery business He took over as governing director when his father retired. 1929-1932 – McPherson’s supplied thousands of tons of rivets from its Richmond (Melbourne) Bolt Works for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 1936 – McPherson’s Pty Ltd is advertising Ajax Pumps in newspapers 1934 – McPhersons purchased the property adjoining the warehouse in Collins Street, and during 1935-1936 built a new office and showrooms on the site of 546-445 Collins St. 1939 - McPherson’s acquired the Tool Equipment Co. Pty. Ltd and Associated Machine Tools Australia Pty Ltd was formed to separate McPherson’s machine-tool manufacturing and merchandising interests. 1939 – Ajax Pump Works, a foundry and pump manufacturing plant, was established in Tottenham, Melbourne, and the Ajax Bolt and Rivet Co Pty Ltd began manufacturing in New Zealand. 1944 - McPherson’s became a public company, McPherson’s Ltd. 1948 - The Ajax Pump Foundry opened at Kyneton, Victoria and in the post war years it grew to became a large manufacturer. 1980’s – Ajax Pumps brochure lists the address as 6 Buckhurst St, South Melbourne, Vic 3205 with the Telephone number 03 669 3588 1988 - Ajax Pumps acquired the Forrers Company, which was established in 1921. Manufacturing in Ipswich, Queensland, specialising in submersible sewage pumps. 1991 – KSB Ajax was formed, bringing together the companies KSB and Ajax Pumps 1993 – Manufacturing was moved to state-of-the-art premises in Tottenham, Victoria 2001 - The Forrers facility was moved to Tottenham. 2007 - Company name KSB Ajax Pumps was changed to KSB Australia Pty Ltd. 2009 - KSB Australia opened a branch in Townsville, Queensland. 2011 - KSB Australia moved to its dedicated Water and Waste Water Competence Centre in Bundamba, Queensland. DISPLAY OF THIS AJAX PUMP This pump was installed at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village as part of a working display in the village by the Friends of Flagstaff Hill, in acknowledgement of the dedicated involvement of one of its long serving members, Bob Crossman. The display was officially opened 31st March 2018 and incorporates a restored Furphy Tank and Water Pipe Stand. The pump is used to draw water from the lake, through the water stand pipe and into the reconditioned Furphy Tank. This Ajax pump made by McPherson’s Pty Ltd is significant for its association with McPherson’s, a prominent manufacturer of hardware in Victoria. McPherson’s is famous for supplying ‘dog-spikes’ for the transcontinental railway (eastern to western Australia, 1917) and rivets for the Sydney Harbour Bridge (1929-1932). The Ajax pump is also of significance because of its association with McPherson’s Governing Director (Sir) William McPherson, former premier and treasurer in Victoria 1928-1929. The former McPherson’s Pty Ltd building in Collins Street Melbourne is now on the Victorian Heritage Register VHR H0942 This pump is representative of mechanical pumps popular in the early to mid-1900’s and still used today. Hand operated pressure pump, double acting. Cast metal case, painted red, with steel hose attachments and long metal lever. Pump is bolted to wooden plank. Model of pump is AJAX, Type L2, Series A pump. Embossed on lower section of pump "L2 - 10", "L2 - -1", "AJAX" “(?) –2-1” Embossed on lower handle “3-7” “L – 4” Embossed on attached plate “FOR SPARE PARTS / TYPE L2 / SERIES A / PUMP ASSEMBLED BY T R” Manufactured by McPherson’s Pty Ltd of Melbourne circa 1930’s - 1940’s.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, ajax pump works tottenham melbourne, ajax pump factory kyneton, william edward mcpherson, thomas mcpherson of melbourne, mcpherson’s pty ltd melbourne, acme bolt company, tool equipment co. pty. ltd, associated machine tools australia pty ltd, ajax bolt and rivet co. pty ltd new zealand, forrers company ipswich queensland, ksb ajax pumps, ksb australia pty ltd, macson lathes, tool manufacturer early to mid- 20th century, ajax double acting hand pump, ajax type l2 series a pump, qisjax pumps, water pump 1940’s, fuel pump 1940’s, hand operated constant flow pressure pump, reciprocating suction pump, agricultural hand pump, plumber’s hand pump, portable hand pump

Grey covered auction catalogue for a sale of Mining Machinery, Tools,Buildings, Piping, engines, Poppet Legs and other Equipment at the Yandoit Co. N. L., Yandoit on 19/4/1939. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - yandoit co n l, j h curnow & son, the cambridge press

Red covered auction catalogue for a sale held at the Cocks Pioneer Gold and Tin Mines (1934) No Liability on 10th, 11th, and 12th March, 1942 at Eldorado, Victoria. Sale consisted of Mining Machinery, Sluicing Plant, Electrical Equipment, Stores, Tools, Buildings and Residences. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - cocks pioneer gold and tin mines (1934) no liability, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, george best, alf dale, jacob eddy, joseph tredennick, the cambridge press

Two blue covered with dark blue printing for an auction sale held on the 11th and 12th December, 1944 at the Commonwealth Antimony Mine at Coimadai, near Bacchus Marsh, Vic. Of Modern Mining & General Machinery, Buildings, Tools, Stores, Plant & Equipment by Order of Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Supply and Shipping. Sale conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations. J. H. Curnow & Son ere the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - commonwealth antimony mine, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, w g wedd, prahran telegraph print

Three paper catalogues for an auction sale held on 6th May 1943 of Cyanide Plant, Buidings, Machinery and Equipment of Precious Metals Recovery N. L ' adjoining North Deborah Mine' . By Order of the Liquidator Mr. F. H. Tadgell. Sale conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - precious metals recovery n. l, north deborah mine, mr f h tadgell, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, director of machine tools and gauges, the cambridge press

Greyish blue auction catalogue for a sale held at the Wilkes Creek Wolfram Mine, Marysville on 12th April, 1944 By Order of Commonwealth of Aust. Department of Supply and Shipping. Lots sold include Mining Machinery, Building, Log Huts,Tools, Plant and Extensive Equipment. Sale conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - wilkes creek wolfram mine - marysville, commonwealth of aust, department of supply and shipping, j h curnow & son, director of machine tools and gauges, the prahran telegraph printing co, c j curnow, h j lowe, f c dyett, j l jamieson, w g wedd

Beige coloured catalogue for an auction sale of the Corindhap Hydraulic Gold Sluicing Co. No Liability By Order of Mr. A. E. Llewellyn, Legal Manager on the 11th November, 1937. Sale consisted of Electrical Equipment, Machinery, Plant, buildings, tools and sundries. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - corindhap hydraulic gold sluicing co no liability - rokewood, mr a e llewellyn, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, rokewood p. w. m. u., bolton bros pty ltd

Two red covered auction catalogues with black printing for an auction at the Fryerstown Creek Dredging Syndicate, Fryerstown on 8th February, 1945 comprising 52 H.P. Ruston & Hornsby Diesel Engine, 35 H.P. McDonald Super Diesel Engine, 8 in. Class G Thompson Water Pump, 6 in. Thompson gravel Pump, thousands of feet of Piping, Tanks, corr. Iron Buildings, Tools, Belting and Equipment. Contains descriptions of some of the lots. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - fryerstown creek dredging syndicate, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, national security (general) regulations, the cambridge press, w g wedd

Three Auction catalogues for a sale on 28th March, 1946 of Extensive Surplus Equipment including Perspex, Rubber and Amoric Hose, Paint, Micrometers, Vices, Mess Canteen Plant, Excellent Tools and Miscellaneous Equipment at Commonwealth Disposals Commission, No. 1 Auction Depot, Garden City, Port Melbourne. Columns for £, S and D on the right side of the page. Contains descriptions of some lots. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers. The Prahran Telegraph Printing Co. were the printers of the catalogue.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - commonwealth disposals commission, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, w g wedd, the prahran telegraph printing co, park orchards, dept. of navy

Two red covered catalogues for auction sale of Machinery, Engineers Workshop & Plant, Stores, Tools & Costly Equipment of the Adelong Dredge, Smoko, Vic. & Leases No. 8057 and 7976 and also the Bright Valley Dredge, Bright, Vic. Sales held on the 9th and 10th February, 1943. Sale conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers. Catalogue contains descriptions of the dredges and larger machinery. First page has black and white photos of the Adelong Dredge and the Bright Valley Dredge.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - adelong dredge & leases, bright valley dredge, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, bright red cross, the cambridge press

Two paper catalogues from an auction of electrically driven mining & treatment plant, buildings, tools, stores and extensive equipment of the Commonwealth Antimony Mine at Costerfield (near Heathcote) Vic. Auction held on the 8th and 9th August, 1945. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - commonwealth antimony mine - costerfield, commonwealth of australia, department of supply and shipping (minerals section), j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, w g wedd, mr j zoch

Two red covered auction catalogues for an auction on account of the State Rivers & Water Supply Commission on the 22nd to 25th November, 1954 (inclusive) held at the Big Eildon Project, Eildon, Victoria. Lots sold include Machinery, plant, stores and equipment, Saw Milling Plant, corr. Iron and timber buildings, 5 timber residences, 73 partly completed weatherboard 4 roomed flats, extensive collection of plumbers equipment, building materials, mess equipment, sawn timber, scrap, tools, kitchen and bathroom fittings, electrical equipment and costly spares and accessories. Catalogue has a Locality Plan of Eildon, photo, locality and description of the Eildon Sawmill. Photos of completed houses, incomplete flats and plan showing layout of flat unit, photo of flat block (Completed). Also Building Kits - Designs and Component Lists.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - big eildon project, state rivers & water supply commission, j h curnow & son pty ltd, eildon sawmill, prahran telegraph printing co

Three auction catalogues, two with red covers and the third is missing the cover. Sale of Earth Moving Machinery. Spare Parts, Machine Tools, Motor Trucks, Engineering Plant, Concrete Mixing and Batching Plant, Air Compressor Plants, Buildings, Stores and Costly Equipment on 31st March to 5th April 1952 (inclusive) at the White Swan Reservoir, Ballarat, Victoria. J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Were the auctioneers. Included in the catalogue is a Locality Plan showing location of lot areas - access roads, etc. Page 4 has a black and white photo showing Super c Tournapull, Lot 63 and Tractor hauling 12-15 cub. Yd. capacity scoop. Page 9 photo is Lot 209, a Sheep's Foot Roller, Page 12 photo is Lots 258, 259 & 260 - Class 1 tractor hauling two 12-15 c yd Te Tourneau Scrapers, and page 68 has a black & white photo of Lot 2377, the Concrete Batching Plant.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - white swan reservoir, the ballarat water commissioners, j h curnow & son pty ltd, prahran telegraph printing co

Auction catalogue with cream cover and black printing of Mining Machinery and Equipment of The Golden Duke Gold Mining Co. (Blackwood) N. L. on 20th October, 1938. Catalogue has columns for £, s & d down the right side of the page. Items include tools, portable steam engine, Stamper Battery, pump, buildings and poppet legs. J H Curnow & Son were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - the golden duke gold mining co (blackwood) n. l., j h curnow & son

Red covered auction catalogue for an auction sale held on 10th December, 1958 at the Sunbeam Colleries, Korumburra of Coal Mining Plant. Lots include Electric Winches, Jaques Crushing Plant, Air Compressing Plant, 15-ton Avery Weighbridge, Corr. Iron Buildings, Rails, Pumps, Electric Motors, Piping, Stores, Engineers and Blacksmiths Plant, Pneumatic and Hand Tools, Valuable Electrical Equipment and Costly Accessories. There are descriptions of some lots. J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Were the auctioneers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - sunbeam colleries, j h curnow & son, prahran telegraph printing co pty ltd

Two red covered auction catalogues for an Auction Sale at Lauriston Reservoir, Lauriston (Near Kyneton) on 16th and 17th September, 1941. Sale consisted of Well-built Workmen's Homes, Corrugated Iron Buildings & Storerooms for Removal, Collection of Timber, Stores, Rails, Tools, Scrap Iron, and Contractors' Machinery and Equipment By Order of The State rivers & Water Supply Commission, Melbourne. Auctioneers were J. H. Curnow & Son. Contains description of buildings. Has a loose page of Additional Plant to be sold at the Lauriston Reservoir Auction on 17/9/1941. Also has two black and white photos, the first one of the Lauriston Reservoir showing the concrete bank during construction and the other, a Section of Residential Area. In the background is the bank and a tower each side of the bank.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - lauriston reservoir, state rivers & water supply commission, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, r g knight, e d shaw, h h c williams, hon a a dunstan, cambridge press

Three catalogues, two with grey covers and one missing its cover. Auction Catalogue of Mining and General Machinery held on Thursday 27th April, 1944 at Benambra, near Omeo, Vic. The buildings, tools, stores, plant, motor vehicles & extensive equipment of the Mount Murphy Wolfram Mine were sold by Order of Commonwealth of Aust. Department of Supply and Shipping. J. H. Curnow & Son were the Auctioneers. Contains descriptions of larger machinery, buildings and engines. Sale also conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - mount murphy wolfram mine, commonwealth of aust dept of supply and shipping, j h curnow & son, c j curnow, h j lowe, f c dyett, j l jamieson & co, w g wedd, the prahran telegraph printing co

Beige covered catalogue of Tasmanian Sales by Auction held over three days. On Tuesday 9th May 1944 was an auction of Mining machinery,pumps, plant, equipment and buildings at the Michael Moon Mine, Poimena (Blue Tier) and at the AZ Mine, Poimena (Blue Tier). Thursday 11th May 1944 was the sale of Contractor's Machinery, plant and equipment used in the Construction of the Hobart Bridge by order of the Hobart Bridge Co. Ltd. And Friday 12th May 1944 was the auction of machinery, equipment, motor vehicles etc. at the Public Works Depot at Moonah, Hobart. J. H. Curnow & Son were the Auctioneers. Booklet contains description of some of the machinery, Special Notice regarding travelling and freight, Conditions of Sale and an Auctioneer's Notice mentioning the sale is being conducted by permission of the Director of Machine Tools and Gauges under Regulation 59 of the National Security (General) Regulations. Principals only are allowed to bid and buy unless special permission is granted by DMT & G for some person to act on their behalf, and that person must be an employee of the Firm.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - tasmanian mining and contractor's auction, michael moon mine, a z mines, hobart bridge co ltd, public works department hobart, j h curnow & son, w c wedd, director of machine tools and gauges, national security (general) regulations, the prahran telegraph printing co, c j curnow, h j lowe, f c dyett, j l jamieson & co

Two copies of Auction Catalogue for an auction sale of Machine tools, pressed, electric furnaces and General equipment at the No. 2 Store, Cordite Avenue Maribyrnong held on Thursday, 27th June, 1946. Page 1 contains a Special Notice. Page 2 Conditions of Sale Pages 3 to 16 contains photos of presses and lots up to 103. There are five photos of presses. £, S, & D columns down the page beside the lot numbers.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - commonwealth disposals commission 27/6/1946, j h curnow & son pty ltd, j l jamieson & co, w g wedd, prahan telegraph print

Two white covered auction catalogue with red and black printing for a sale at the Murray Barrages (Mouth of Murray) on 1st to 6th April, 1940. Sale was altered to one week later, the 8th to 13th April, 1940. For sale was Contractors, Engineers & Mining Machinery, Floating Plant, Locomotives, Stores, Buildings and Houses for Removal, Extensive Quantity of Oregon & Hardwood Timber, Scrap Iron, & Valuable Collection of Tools, Equipment & Sundries. Sold under instructions from the Supply & Tender Board, Adelaide. Auctioneers were J. H. Curnow & Son in association with R. E. Jackman & Co. Ltd. Some prices have been written in one catalogue. Black & white photos in the catalogue are: the Goolwa Barrage, Derrick Barge, 'Milang' Dipper Dredge, 'Captain Sturt' Steam Boat and Batter Pile Frame (for pile driving). The tattered copy has Mr. Curnow written in the top left corner. Contains description of some of the machinery.business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - murray barrages, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson, r e jackman & co ltd, the supply & tender board adelaide, k p phillips

Pale beige auction catalogue with red and dark blue printing for a sale held from the 31st August to 5th September 1936 at the Hume Reservoir, Albury, (New South Wales Side) By Order of Department of Works and Local Government, N. S. W. For sale was Contractors', Mining and Engineers' Machinery, Plant and Equipment, Stores, Locomotives, Tools, Petrol and Steam Engines, Tanks, Scrap, Building Materials, Heavy Bridge Timber, Buildings, and Workmen's Five-roomed Houses, etc. J. H. Curnow & Son were the auctioneers. Black and white photos include Lots 2065 and 2622 Kelly & Lewis Engine and Condensing Plant with G.E.C. Dynamo, Generating 300 K.W.; Lot 2018 Locomotive; Lots 2617 and 2618 Steam Road Rollers; Lot 2069 Administrative Offices; and Lot 93 Locomotives (Victorian Side).business, auctioneers, j h curnow & son pty ltd, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - hume reservoir, department of works and local government nsw, j h curnow & son, j l jamieson & co, j b garnsey, a t jones, bolton bros pty ltd

Standard issue item as used by Australian servicemen during the Vietnam conflict (1962-1972). This level was first issued for use in WW2.Khaki metal instrument with lens-viewfinder and numbers on circular range finding wheels. Object is stored in a khaki metal box with canvas carry straps. Inside the box, attachments prevent it from slipping. red label attached to strap says the object cannot be repaired.place/date/McBc = GdBg/ McB6 = GdBg/ BuBl COR. Inside box: scientific instruments MFGI and Repair Co. Pty Ltd/ 573 Burwood Road, Hawthorn 815527surveying tool, dumpy level, survey, surveyor, level