Michigan Valve & Foundry Company - Detroit, Michigan
Established in 1852, the Michigan Valve & Foundry Company manufactured a wide range of waterworks products, including valves, indicator posts and fire hydrants. This information came to us from a Michigan Valve advertisement from the 1930s.

Quoting from another ad --- "The fact that Michigan fire hydrants are exceptionally good is not a matter of chance. There is built into them a quality of materials and nicety of workmanship which is evidently superior. Michigan fire hydrants have the sturdiness and value of sound design."

We are always seeking new information about the various hydrant manufacturers and welcome your input. If you have something to contribute, please E-mail us.

  MODEL - O
This model is the only known Michigan Valve hydrant of their own design; the other models being manufacturered to city specifications.
  • They have 1 piece barrels.
  • The "MOD - O" model designation appears in large lettering on the top of the bonnet rim.
  • Note the handsome company crest on the barrel of photo #1389. Within the crest is embossed the company logo, year of manufacture, and valve opening size.
    • 2089
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x ~4½"
    Size: 4" V.O.
    Dated: 1926
         		1389
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: 1926
    Location: Jack S. collection
    Photo: ©2001, J. Anderson         		1321
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x ~5"
    Size: 5" V.O.
    Dated: 1928
    Location: Richmond, VA
    Photo: ©2001, E. Kennedy         		1322
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x ~5"
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Dated: 1954
    Location: Knoxville, TN
    Photo: ©2001, E. Kennedy

      Detroit Spec model?
    This model, at least in the 6" valve opening size, was apparently designed in response to a Detroit Spec but were sold elsewhere in smaller valve opening sizes.
  • It is of a 1 piece barrel design with a frost jacket.
    • 1434
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~4" VO, __" OD
    Location: Iowa
    Photo: ©2001, J. Anderson         		2278
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~4" VO, __" OD
    (See back view)
    Location: John A. collection
    Photo: ©2004, J. Anderson         		0401
    Nozzles: 2x 2½" internally swing gated
    Size: ~4" VO, __" OD
    Location: Mansfield, OH
    Photo: ©2000, T. Ingalsbe         		1404
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~5" VO, __" OD
    Location: Steve P. collection
    Photo: ©2001, J. Anderson
    1390
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x 4½"
    Size: 5" VO, 8.1" OD
    Location: Jack S. collection
    Photo: ©2001, J. Anderson

    These are the true Detroit Spec hydrants (at least in the double steamer nozzle configuration) and are marked as such on the bonnet rim and upper barrel. These examples differ slightly from each other with the manufacturer and model embossing.

    Type 1 embossing

    Size: 6" VO, 9.6" OD     		2153 Detroit Spec
    Nozzles: 2x 4½"
    Dated: 1923
    Location: John A. collection
    Photo: ©2004, J. Anderson

    Type 2 embossing

    Size: 6" VO, 9.6" OD     		2154 Detroit Spec
    Nozzles: 2x 4½"
    Dated: 1930
    Location: John A. collection
    Photo: ©2004, J. Anderson         		2165
    Nozzles: 2x 2½", 1x 4½"
    Dated: 1929
    (See back view)
    Location: Indiana
    Photo: ©2004, L. Lund

      "Series S" model
    Like many other manufacturers, Michigan Valve & Foundry manufactured the design of fire hydrant later known as the "Series S" which has become a common fire hydrant in many cities thoughout the country.
    2183
    Nozzles: 1x ~4"
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Dated: (none)
    Note: Columbus (OH) embossed on bonnet
    Location: Jack S. collection
    Photo: J. Selvey         		0371
    Nozzles: 1x 2½", 1x ~5"
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Dated: 1931
    Location: New York, NY
    Photo: ©2000, E. Kennedy

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