Iron Water Level Gauge-Rare

Product Code: IRON-0116

£3,000.00 Excl. VAT

Very Rare Cast Iron Water Level Gauge

This rare cast iron water level gauge offers a remarkable glimpse into Victorian engineering and practical flood management. Due to the nature of its use, surviving examples are scarce, making this a rare collectable. You could refurbish this gauge and restore its painted surface, though its current condition already conveys a rich industrial story.

Dimensions- W18″ x D1 1/4″ x H96″ (W45.7cm x D3.2cm x H243.8cm)

Please note, due to the nature of production, the age of the items and process of reclamation, there are likely to be imperfections and wear marks.

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1 in stock

Additional information

Weight 276 kg

Description

Rare Cast Iron Water Level Gauge, a Unique Piece

This rare cast iron water level gauge offers a remarkable glimpse into Victorian engineering and practical flood management. Cast iron rose to prominence during the Industrial Revolution, and makers valued it for strength and consistent performance. Craftsmen used the material widely because it handled pressure, weather and constant moisture with impressive reliability. Therefore, cast iron became an excellent choice for flood level indicators that needed to endure harsh conditions for decades.

This cast iron water level gauge stands over seven feet high, with clear raised markings that begin at three inches. The increments continue every three inches up the right side, while the left side displays full feet for quick reading. Measurement units appear at the top, giving users an immediate understanding of scale. Victorian workers relied on pieces like this to track rising water and protect surrounding communities.

Due to the nature of its use, surviving examples are scarce, making this a rare collectable. This cast iron water level gauge carries signs of age, including minor corrosion at the base and surface wear across each face. Even so, the numerals and flood level markers remain easy to read, which supports ongoing use as a functional gauge. The corrosion rises only to the first foot, leaving the majority of the piece visually strong and structurally dependable.

Unique and Very Rare

Collectors and designers value reclaimed features because they offer authenticity and sustainable reuse. This rare cast iron water level gauge demonstrates how historical materials can enrich modern landscapes. Reclaimed items reduce waste and preserve craftsmanship that mass-produced products cannot match. Moreover, they add historical context that encourages conversation and connection.

You could refurbish this gauge and restore its painted surface, though its current condition already conveys a rich industrial story. Weathering highlights its long service life and gives the piece credible presence in gardens or riverside spaces. This rare cast iron water level gauge works beautifully as a sculptural feature, while still retaining practical purpose if required. Bolted to Yorkstone flagstones, this piece is a thought provoking memorial to our industrial past.

Using reclaimed historical features supports environmental responsibility and honours past skill. As a result, this rare cast iron gauge offers both heritage value and practical capability, making it a distinctive addition to any thoughtful project.