Piston and Rod, from Newcomen Pumping Engine 'Old Sarah'

Piston and Rod, Piston Rod Cap and Chains from Newcomen Pumping Engine "Old Sarah" Newmarket Silkstone Colliery, Stanery near Wakefield, Yorkshire.

This piston and accessories formed part of an atmospheric type pumping engine at Newmarket Silkstone Colliery, Stanery, near Wakefield, locally known as Old Sarah, the date of erection of which is not known. The engine was working up to August, 1917, pumping water from a depth of 330 ft. in two lifts, at an average speed of 5 strokes per minute. It was dismantled in 1918. The piston is of cellular construction with circumferential space for the packing of spun yarn, compressed by a junk ring and six cotter bolts. The portions preserved comprise: the piston with junk ring and its rod; the piston rod, cap and cotters; and the forged iron chains connecting the piston rod to the beam. The piston is 54.25 in. diam. and had a stroke of 5 ft.