Optical Department: Open Pots after Cooling

Image: Photo taken about 1940. The photo shows two full open pots after cooling and just prior to being broken up. Open pots are used in old fired furnaces using 200 secs (Redwood NI) fuel oil. The refractory “Robinsons” used for stirring the glass when molten are seen sticking out of the solid glass. The pots are taken out of the furnace immediately after the stirring phase and when the “Robinsons” have been parted from the stirring machines. Note the metal bands and chains around the pots. These bands and chains have to be put into position immediately the pot is taken out of the furnace in case of premature breakage of the pot.

Image from: Chance Brothers Glassworks, Smethwick Slides. Broadfield House Glass Museum, Kingswinford, Dudley (Slide and Transcript no 4 by Arthur Reeves).