Late last year I was called to Manchester museum to assess their floor springs with a view to repair as necessary. As can be seen above at first glance they appear to be manufactured by James Gibbons of Wolverhampton. However to my surprise when taking off the brass cover plate I discovered, on the reverse side, what I know to be Ben Turners trade mark.
I presume therefore that James Gibbons took the Ben Turner designed door closer (not known if this was in conjunction with Benjamin Turner or not) and improved it with the ultra hard wearing phosphor bearings as mentioned on the brass plate.
As can be seen a number of the museums floor springs were missing some parts entirely and these will have to be sourced or manufactured.
Below is a link to Graces Guide where you can find a little more information about Smith and Turner (Turner being the Ben Turner of above).
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Smith_and_Turner_and_S._Gerish_and_Co_Amalgamated
And here you will find the 1872 patent
http://www.midlandsfloorsprings.co.uk/blog/ben-turners-the-silent-patent-door-spring
Below is a link to Graces Guide where you can find a little more information about Smith and Turner (Turner being the Ben Turner of above).
http://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Smith_and_Turner_and_S._Gerish_and_Co_Amalgamated
And here you will find the 1872 patent
http://www.midlandsfloorsprings.co.uk/blog/ben-turners-the-silent-patent-door-spring
And finally a picture of a pneumatic Gibbons from the Museum, very similar to those found at the Royal Star and Garter Home if not identical.
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