Gartcraig Scotland brick found in USA
— 23/11/2023Found by Jeffrey Valli on the railroad tracks in Truro, Massachusetts, USA. Gartcraig Fire Clay Works, By Millerston, Glasgow. . . . .
Kindly donated by Mark Buchannan, an ex-employee at the Manuel Works, Whitecross.
This template is made from 3mm thick compressed board. It is marked BHHH 229.
Many fire bricks and specials manufactured latterly at the Manuel Works were stamped by use of a stencil.
This template BHHH 229 would be the exact size of a particular face of the firebrick special and would be used to confirm a brick being stencilled BHHH 229 was indeed the correct brick/s as many would appear to look the same but in fact, would differ by very small variations.
It has been suggested that ‘BH’ = Bethlehem Steel, USA. (Note – SBH – This is uncertain as BS would obviously be a more fitting abbreviation).
Likewise, it has been suggested that ‘HH’ = Hot blast stove (High Hoffens may be the Hoogovens Steelworks (Dutch) name for hot blast stoves).
Equally, it has been suggested that ‘H’ signifies an International standard for SILLMAX 66.
Found by Jeffrey Valli on the railroad tracks in Truro, Massachusetts, USA. Gartcraig Fire Clay Works, By Millerston, Glasgow. . . . .
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession The manufacturer of this checker is unknown although the find site would suggest it was made at the Manuel Works, Whitecross’ Scotland. Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor…
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession The manufacturer of this checker is unknown although the find site would suggest it was made at the Manuel Works, Whitecross’ Scotland. Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor…
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. This stamp has been stencilled onto the brick.
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire.
Many thanks to Chris Lowe for the following information. Chris states the bricks were found in an old fireplace on his family’s property in Oregon, USA. There may be a thumbprint to the top right. Bonnybridge Silica & Fireclay Co Ltd, Bonnybridge. alt Calder Firebrick Works, Airdrie, Lanarkshire. alt Chapelhall Works, Lanarkshire. Hepworth Ceramic Holdings…
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire.
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. See Nettle D 8468 Ian states – The NETTLE D 8468 as per…
Found by Ian Suddaby on the site of the old Montrose Iron Foundry. A fire brick stamped on the stretcher side is unusual. This example is not in my possession. Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister…
Found at Manuel Works, Whitecross by Ian Suddaby. This example is not in my possession Stein, Castlecary Fireclay Works, Castlecary, Stirlingshire. Stein, Manuel Firebrick and Refractory Works, Whitecross, Stirlingshire. Stein & Co, Anchor Brickworks, Denny, Stirlingshire. Milnquarter Fireclay & Gannister Works, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire.