A stirrup pump is a small, manually-operated water pump invented before WW2 but mass-produced during the war. It got its name from the metal stirrup-shaped footplate at the base. The user placed a foot in the stirrup to steady the pump while operating the handle. It was a two-person operated piece of equipment. Typically, one person pumping, the other directing the flow of water from a bucket, or other water container source.

They were used to pump water, to put out fires and could pump out four to five litres of water a minute. These signs, (often handmade, but mostly mass-produced) were lifesavers because during a panic, people need CLEAR labels and instructions. We all know what a Fire Exit sign looks like, these worked in a similar fashion, letting people know where the pump was located.

This one here looks to have been reused. Four holes on the back, and some light filler on the front suggests it was once nailed to a wall, taken off and put somewhere else. The writing in red on the front is clearly visible and more than readable, though the entire face of this sign has some wear on it. Made out of wood, (which suggests it was used in a small factory) it offers a clear indication and is one of those pieces that’s interesting because people often ask, “what is a stirrup pump?”. It’s a lovely piece of home front ARP history.