Nickel Cast Iron Wheel -- for Engineers and Foundrymen

Some wheels are made for fun, some for advertising. This one is strictly for work. That is not to say it lacks the the elements of good wheel design. It's a striking design, yet is not ostentatious. It is easy to use, contains all the relevant information needed for the job, and is durable enough to meet the demands of its users.

I think this is, indeed, a handsome wheel. It looks good on the wall, which is essential for me since I have no practical use for it. I don't know how old it is, but it looks pretty ancient to me. 1920s?

The company was founded in 1900 and was licensed in Canada, where the mines were. Ore was sent to the UK for processing. Eventually, the company was eaten by today's Vale Limited.

According to Grace's Guide to British Industrial History:

Ludwig Mond discovered nickel carbonyl, a gas formed from carbon monoxide and metallic nickel. Mond developed a valuable method known as the Mond process for extracting nickel from its ores by use of this carbonyl. In the process, carbon monoxide passing over the crushed and smelted ore containing nickel produces the volatile nickel carbonyl; this is decomposed to yield metallic nickel.

Now, back to the wheel. I love the colors, of course, but take a look at the mischievous little sprite playing air guitar at the top! The wheel is made of a very heavy cardboard and has certainly seen some wear. The inside disc is a bit warped. Otherwise, it's perfectly usable. It measure nine inches across. Don't let the simplicity of the design fool you; there is a lot of information on this wheel. It's full of recipes for nickel alloys!

The statement at the bottom reads, "Remember that nickel is recommended in order to obtain the best results from a good quality mixture and not to cure deficiencies in a poor iron."

So, the next time you need to make some marine propellers or heavy valve bodies, let me know and I will consult Mond's wheel.

(By the way, look up the company's address on Google Maps. The old building on that site is massive!)