Pickering Governor Company LARGE Governor Sculpture. Original Governor. Antique c1880 Sculpture Portland,Conn., Factory.Brass Tag on front stating the item. EXCELLENT CONDITION! MEASURES: 22" x 16" x 11". PLEASE WAIT FOR INVOICE! -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------- HISTORY---------This firm manufactured speed governors for sawmill steam engines.
Thomas R. Pickering's governor, patented in 1862, used the usual
centrifugal balls, but rather than working against gravity as they were
spun by the engine they worked against leaf springs. The Pickering
governor was claimed to be more precise and accurate than its
predecessors, and customers must have agreed because it sold extremely
well, from its introduction all the way into the 1920s.
Founded by Thomas R. Pickering who patented a governor that
used springs instead of gravity, the firm grew to be one of the largest
governor manufacturers in the U. S. The governors ranged in size from a
3/8" to a 12" steam connection. The firm electrified its plant in 1890.
Mr. Pickering died in 1895 and the running of the company was taken over by John H. Hall