From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Feedback and design suggestions for a batch of twenty-five pumps, focusing on the chromium plating and handle type.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 149\5\ scan0165 | |
| Date | 15th November 1933 | |
| X 973 Experimental Dept. Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Lid.{A. J. Lidsey}6/KT. November 15th 1933. Messrs Kinsman Ltd., Bond Street, Stirchley, Birmingham. Dear Sirs, We have examined one of the twenty five pumps which have chromium plated barrels and mahogany polished handles. These do look better than the previous black finish. The chromium plating does not look particularly well carried out; if you can still further improve this we feel that it will be an advantage. The mahogany finish to the handle is an improvement, but the general impression with regard to this is that a different type of handle would be preferable. Enquiries we have made in the quarters where the criticism of the present handle has arisen appear to favour a type of handle similar to that seen on the majority of hand pumps, but arranged so that it folds down in line with the pump barrel when not in use. The normal type of handle is usually fixed to the pump by a screw and is detached entirely when the pump is stowed away in the tool kit. We think that if you could evolve a handle of this type, that does not have to be completely detachable, it would be considered a better job than the present wooden block. We shall be interested to see what you can evolve both with regard to the handle and also to improve the appearance of the foot grips. Yours faithfully, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||