A piece of Reading Town memorabilia comes up for sale at Reading Auction Centre on Saturday 22nd February, when Thimbleby & Shorland put under the hammer a 1938 Dennis TP Trailer Pump, originally owned by Huntley & Palmers.
The pump was one of many pieces of firefighting equipment owned and operated by the well-known Reading biscuit manufacturers at their large premises in Kings Road, where they had their own Fire Brigade. Purchased by Huntley & Palmers in 1938, the trailer pump remained at the site until it closed in 1977.
Following closure of the site the pump was purchased by Keith Edwards, who subsequently sold it to Chris Fry, who used it to pump out his swimming pool! In around 1996 the pump was sold at Shinfield Antiques and was housed for a while at a private museum in Henley on Thames.
For the technically minded the pump has a 3770 cc 4 cylinder side valve petrol engine generating 62 BHP at 2250 RPM. The pump is a 2 stage back to back high-pressure turbine capable of delivering 500 gallons, minimum, through two 2 to 3 inch deliveries.
The pump is resplendent in red livery with brass fittings, including rear lamp and hose nozzles. It comes complete with hoses and a spare set of wheels. The pump may be viewed on Friday 21st and on the morning of the sale from 8.00 a.m. The sale catalogue will be available from Friday 14th. For further information about the pump contact the Auctioneers on 0118 950 8611.
Auction details as they become available can be found here.
