(Cast From the Same Mold as Used a Century Ago). Windmills with wooden wheels were manufactured by Dempster Mill Mfg. Latterly Dempsters Industries, Inc. From 1885 to 1941. Each mill had a counterweight that performed a very important function. Its purpose was to protect the wheel and also the pumping mechanism from catastrophic failure due to over speeding. When wind speed reached approximately 20 MPH the wooden wheel blades would begin to adjust themselves away from the wind against the counterweight back pressure. At approximately 30 MPH each wooden blade was turned edgewise away from the wind still against the back pressure of the counterweight. At this point the wheel stopped turning thus protecting itself from destructive over speeds. The specified weight of this component part was very important however, the shape or configuration was not. Most windmill manufacturers therefore incorporated decorative designs uniquely identifying their windmills. Dempster produced (3) separate counterweights including a long tail horse, a short tailed horse and a bull. During recent years, windmill counterweights have become highly sought after, collectors items. Going forward, Dempsters LLC has incorporated the past endeavors into the future. The casting patterns from the Bull weight will now represent the BOSS VR Spreader. This is the newest addition to the Dempster Spreader line. Cast Iron Still Bank. Weighs just over 16 lbs. The item “Dempster Cast Iron BOSS Bull Windmill Weight / Still Bank” is in sale since Friday, May 27, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Banks, Registers & Vending\Still, Piggy Banks\Promotional”. The seller is “dempstersdirect” and is located in Beatrice, Nebraska. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Original/Reproduction: Reproduction