Chatham-Kent Museum

2008.55.1

Description
Media Type / Médias
Image
Item Type / Type d'élément
Images, Electronic
Description / Description
- rectangular wooden advertising thermometer with slightly arched top and molded edges, painted off-white. Above the central thermometer mercury tube is the wording: "BIDWELL/GRAIN SEPARATORS/BEAN THRESHERS/ENGINES." in black, below mercury tube is a depiction of a threshing machine below which is written: "R.WATT MACHINE WORKS/LIMITED, RIDGETOWN-ONT."
- at the very bottom of the thermometer is the maker's information: "Marshall Mfg. Co., Siler Springs, N.Y."
- R.Watt Machine Works Ltd was an agricultural implement manufacturer in Ridgetown. Its original premises was located on Ebenezer Street on the north side of the road just east of Erie Street. Later on, the works was relocated to Erie St N. R. Watt purchased patent rights from the US firm Bidwell to produce the Bidwell-designed threshing machines. One such machine, in restored condition, is known. This thermometer is a merchandising/advertising piece that may have been given or sold to customers and other businesses to promote the Watt firm. Wooden advertising thermometers are rare and when found usually have their paint in very poor condition, often from having been used out doors. This item is in exceptional condition making it rare and it is presently the only known example promoting this significant local firm. It was purchased by the donor at the auction sale of a prominent advertising memorabilia collector in Simcoe Ontario, 2008.

Chatham Kent Museum
Out in the Open exhibition
VS 090
Date of Publication
2018
Collection
Chatham Kent Museum
Copyright Statement / Déclaration de droit d'auteur
Copyright status unknown. Responsibility for determining the copyright status and any use rests exclusively with the user.
Location of Original / Emplacement de l'original
Chatham Kent Museum
Out in the Open exhibition
VS 090
Terms of Use / Conditions d'utilisation
Copies are provided for research and private study only. Permission to use images in any other way including, but not limited to, publication, exhibition, film, video or TV broadcast, or on any CD or website, must be obtained in writing from an authorized representative of the Chatham-Kent Museum prior to use. This applies to low-resolution copies downloaded from this site at no cost and to high resolution copies.
Contact / Contacter
Chatham-Kent Museum
Email:ckcccmuseum@chatham-kent.ca
Website:
Agency street/mail address:
75 William Street North
Chatham, ON N7M 4L4
519-360-1998
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