D.R. Sperry Laboratory Stand

[Greg W. Smith]

I recently acquired a D.R. Sperry lab stand. I am still in the process of restoring it but wanted to share in hopes someone might be able to provide additional information. I have only begun to research it but thus far, have found nothing, not even an image. The base is side gated. The middle ring was broken when I purchased it and I do not have the missing piece. Everything else seems to be original and in working order.

[Greg W. Smith]

Some additional photos.

[Roger Barfield]

That is unusual and very cool.  Thanks for posting it. 

[Russell Ware]

Sperry made your stand, called the Perfected Apparatus Stand, and another model, called the Common Retort Stand. The Common Retort Stand had a heavy square base, instead of the cross-style stand on yours. In an early 1900's catalog, they offered two versions of the Perfected Apparatus Stand. One that looks just like the photos you posted and one with and added clamp that attached above the three rings. Your stand cost $2.50 back then. With the clamp, it was $4. Sperry made a wide variety of things. A few pages earlier in the catalog, they have Sperry’s Hog Scalder. It came in two sizes - 85 and 150 gallons.
The factory burned down two years after this catalog was printed. Check out the Foundries Info section for more information about them.

[Greg W. Smith]

Thank you, Russell. Sperry pieces are one of the few I collect so it was exciting to acquire this. Might you happen to know where I could find the catalog you referred to?

[Greg W. Smith]

Having the name in hand, I was able to locate this from a publication entitled "The Druggist" circa 1884. Thanks again for the insight that helped lead me to more information on this piece. It will be a proud addition to all of my other Sperry pieces.

[Dwayne Henson]

Neat piece