The Hercules brand underwent many changes in ownership what with mergers and buyouts. Hercules first merged with Galion and became Hercules Galion. Then it became plain Galion, then Peabody Galion, then Galion again with another new owner and now is owned by Godwin of North Carolina and is a mere shadow of it's former self.
I doubt you'll find any parts for anything made by Hercules in 1949. If you need hoist piston seals they are availabe from most any industrial seal supplier. The newer neoprene seals have virtually replaced the old cast iron piston rings used on those old cylinders. Same for pumps, new seals are avaiable in generic sizes. If you need castings then your SOL. Incidently the S/N is pretty much meaningless by this time but a model number might have some significance.
The pressure of these old models didn't exceed 1000 psi or whatever was needed to lift as they would recirculate at the end of the stroke. If 1000 wouldn't get it started then it would just sit there and shudder. However any thing it would start to lift it would cycle as the initial thrust was the hardest part of the cycle. Never try to stop a load that is coming down with the valve as that is where frames got bent on old F*#ds and Chebbies.

1953 Chevy 5-window 3100
In the Stovebolt Gallery
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Dave
Engine & Driveline Moderator

If you can't make seventy by an easy road, don't go. ~~ Mark Twain