antique bar tap

Description

This is a vintage, solid brass bar tap with sight glass. It is made by Gaskell and Chambers LTD of England.

It clamps onto a bartop and holds a bottle for dispensing. The arm extends by spring to fit a variety of different bottle sizes. 

Markings:

It has the following UK patent numbers stamped into the brass above the sight glass:

• 476767/37
• 523016/40
• 523017/40

Here’s some more information on the patents:

• 476767/37 – Delivering measured quantities of liquids. GASKELL & CHAMBERS, Ltd., and WEIGHTMAN, J. S. July 30, 1936.
• 523016/40 – Dispensing measured quantities of liquid. GASKELL & CHAMBERS, Ltd., and WEIGHTMAN, J. S. Dec. 22, 1938.
• 523017/40 – Dispensing measured quantities of liquid. GASKELL & CHAMBERS, Ltd., and WEIGHTMAN, J. S. Dec. 22, 1938.

You can look up these patents for yourself on ‘espacenet’, as I am not allowed to post links in eBay descriptions. You have to change the format of the patent number, like this:

• 476767/37 becomes GB476767
• 523016/40 becomes GB523016
• 523017/40 becomes GB623017

Additional markings:

• On the bottom portion of the sight glass, we have what is presumably a model number: 6-12381-47.
• It also bears a hallmark on either side which looks like a bar tap. This same hallmark appears on one side of the clamp.

Measurements:

• The tap accommodates a bottle between 7″ long to 10.5″ long, and 4″ wide at the widest. 
• The maximum size of the clamp opening is 1-5/8″ high, so your countertop must be this thick or smaller. The depth of the clamp is 1-3/4″.
• The arm measures approximately 13″ long, not including the screw.
• The entire apparatus has a weight of 3 lb 7 oz.

Condition:

• One of the studs which holds the sight glass to the clamp is bent as shown in the photos. Due to the way the optic glass nests into the clamp, this makes it more of a cosmetic defect than a functional one as the entire device still functions appropriately, and the thumb screw is still free to move up and down the stud. It’s also noticeable unless you look for it.
• There is one brass screw on the optic glass which is missing. This should be easily replaceable.
• The rubber which holds the bottom of the bottle is dried but is not cracking. It would probably need to be replaced. 
• The device has general wear and tear such as surface marks, tarnish on the finish, etc. I have tried to outline the worst of these in the photos. 
• The glass will need to be disassembled and cleaned. The gaskets inside the sight glass are not working, when liquid is put into it, it leaks. The dispenser otherwise works as it should. The unit has some water residue inside of it from testing.

Conclusion:

Please see all of the photos as they are part of the description. If you would like additional photos or video, or have any questions, please feel free to reach out.