Historic Tools of North Castle

Barrel Pump

This device at Smith’s Tavern is a wooden barrel pump.  It was a “T” shaped plunger handle and a long circular shaft with a hole near the top were a bung or spigot would be inserted (which is missing from the device at Smith’s Tavern).

A barrel pump was used to draw liquid from a wooden barrel or keg to be dispensed into another (most likely smaller) container.  The liquid in the barrel was commonly vinegar, cider or whiskey.  

Reference:  Barrel Pump

Catalog Items:

Item T715

Location:Floor, Panel 12
Width: 6 cm
Height: 143 cm