An Overview of Sylvanus Freelove Bowser’s Early Gas Pumps: See and learn all about Bowser's early gas pumps from 1887 up to the visible style as seen in these photos today on TheOldMotor.com
Sylvanus Bowser has credit for inventing the first gas pump in 1885. I read that in some places in Australia they still call them "Bowsers" . Sylvanus' great grandson lives not far from me and has a great collection of old Bowser pumps.
Ray, you are correct on both counts. The patent drawings for his first pump, which actually was a counter top model for stores to dispense kerosene from, and many others can be seen on The Old Motor.
3 5- gallon Fry brand pumps in the great picture. Rare pumps ! I have a picture somehwere of an early bowser I bought 40 years ago. Sadly, the pump is long gone.
This was about 1972 or 3. I paid 25$ for the Bowser. All we could think of was finding a nice visible feed type, no one wanted these or the 50's style. How things change.
Tim I have a bowser like that, but not for sale the clock pump is worth more. was it stuck in the cement, must have been real heavy!!!!!!!!!! charley
Does yours still have the counterbalance weight? I found it in my parents garage when we cleaned it out. If yours is missing, I'll send it to you.
Yes, wish I still had the clock face, too. I was smart enough to keep the 5 gallon fry, though.