The National Welding co. of San Francisco, manufactured just one torch called the Steffan #7. The torch was highly polished and about 2 1/2' in dia and 6" high. The body of the torch contains both a rubber squeeze bulb for generating an air stream, and a container to hold the wick an alcohol fuel.
It was designed for dentists and dental laboratory work but was sold by hobby shops for radio repair also.
The needle point flame was advertised producing temperature of 2,700 deg. F.
Patent 1932
The one I have is in almost perfect condition, I am yet to see one better. Unfortunately the rubber on the bulb is beginning to deteriorate after all these years.
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF3039_zpsc9359b2a.jpg)
[imghttp://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF3040_zpsf8987e2f.jpg]http://[/img]
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF3040_zpsf8987e2f.jpg)
(http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p175/batz2/DSCF3041_zps52459ec0.jpg)
I like that one, I am sure you are aware but keeping the rubber away from sunlight makes a huge difference
Keep oil away from it also, real rubber doesn't like petroleum products at all..
That is an awesome torch, very nice :)
Is it chrome or polish nickel?
It looks chromed, but I don't think I have ever seen a chromed torch...
Armorall helps.
I never realized that a blowtorch could be beautiful, but that one sure is.
So, did the dentists use this for dental repair right in the patient's mouth? Or at the bench?