I’m a keen enthusiast for old British car foot pumps – dating from the 1900’s to the 1950’s. My interest started in the 1950’s, when I used to help my father in his garage using an old 1920’s British Goodrich to blow up the tyres on his Austin 7. I inherited this pump from him on his death, and since then I’ve built up quite a collection of Goodrich, Wood Milne, Kismet, Dunlop, Aerite, Sutty etc. etc. and many other names as well. I overhaul and mend them, keep some for my own collection and sell others on.

These old British pumps were invariably built to a high, heavy duty, quality standard, with bolts, washers and split pins so they can be properly dismantled and overhauled – unlike the modern rubbish which is usually held together with bits of plastic and bent tin. When properly maintained these vintage pumps will last another lifetime or two and are a practical working tool for regular use. Their smooth action and stability strike a real contrast with modern offerings, which are often unstable on rough ground and can collapse and damage ankles due to their under-design. These old pumps are also a marvellous accessory for anyone with a vintage or classic car. Many are also very beautiful pieces of engineering, made of brass, steel and cast aluminium and look great for display in the garage or the living room. I’ve done all these things with them! They also make wonderful birthday or Xmas presents.

HATTERSLEY & DAVIDSON 'MULTISTAGE' FOOT PUMP

I’m a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and I’m mainly interested in making old pumps work properly. It irritates me if things don’t work as they should!  So I give them a full mechanical overhaul. I also believe, generally, that one should try and retain their ‘patina’ – as with any old piece of furniture or a picture. Their patina is evidence of years of faithful service and/or being covered in layers of grease for years – the best preservative there is! On the other hand, since these pumps are beautiful pieces of engineering, some people like them restored to close to original ’showroom’ or concourse condition. I do this to some pumps – carefully colour matching to original livery and painting with modern paint equivalents (e.g. Hammerite smooth.) - as well as giving them a full mechanical overhaul. So that’s what you get if you buy one of my class I or class II pumps. The detailed job lists which my various classes of pumps go through are available on a separate information sheet. The prices I ask are reasonable, I think, but do reflect the work I put in and the quality of the pump you get.

Gordon Edwards