The pump appears to be either a Bowser 41 or a 44. Both were originally introduced as pumps to be used inside buildings. The 41 was used in many general stores. The 44 was basically the same pump, but was a high lift version to be used on upper floors, when the tank was in the basement. The 41 was a "All Purpose Pump" according to Bowser. It could be used for everything from gasoline to heavy oils. I can only assume that the dials you show were not used for gasoline but for oils, benzine or naphtha. Also since you are in Canada, the dial could indicate liters, etc., or even the old Imperial measurments. When used for gasoline the pump would have a overhead discharge, which I can't see in the picture. In 1923 Bowser said that they invented the pump "several decades ago," I figured the date of introduction to be 1899 in my gas pump book. Don't believe the pump is rare, it was still being made in 1954.
If you are interested, I have ads, sales literature and parts/repair manuals (some in color) for the pump. You can contact me at jhsim@swbell.net
[This message has been edited by Jack Sim (edited 03-28-2002).]
Author, 1st & 2nd editions of Gas Pump ID book, 3rd edition is now available at
www.gaspumpbible.comAir Meter ID book also available
