Plumbers’ Furnaces were once known as plumber’s fire pots or blow pots. This page features samples from various manufacturers.
We are excited to be adding blowlamps (blowtorches) to the website! We’re sure that some of you have been collecting these appliances and would like to share them with others on this website. In an attempt for us to keep this manageable, we’re asking you to fill out the form on the About US page and send images. If you have any literature about the model and its manufacturer that you can share, please attach it.
Since we’re not sure what submissions you may want to make and there are a host of makers around the world, please tell us as much as you can about your blowtorch (blowlamp), using the form for just one appliance for each submission.
You may send more than one but please do each one separately. We want to spread this out among all the collectors so don’t send more than three for the time being. Email your submissions to us at:
terrymarshgallery@gmail.com
We will reply as time permits.
Clayton & Lambert Mfg Co
The company was based in Detroit, USA and was prolific in manufacturing blowtorches and the like.
The flip lid is closed here over the burner.
Clayton and Lambert 91 (Gasoline 1 gallon – 1920s – 1950c)
Notes: This general purpose fire pot, weighed around 17 lbs and is from Jeff Studer’s collection. A cast iron pot (not shown) could be set down in the furnace to melt lead and was suspended by the three supports around the sides. The wide mouthed burner (A) was able to be tilted for the flame to heat the back ends of soldering irons or for melting lead. The burner was also shielded in front to conserve heat. The model 91 came fitted with a cleaner tip to keep the orifice clean. The top shield could be removed for use as a blowtorch. Like many other C&L appliances the bottom steel band was usually red.
SHEEN
Sheen appliances were made in Nottingham, England. Two manufacturers appear to have been used over the years.
Sheen’s Plumber’s Red Furnace (Kerosene)
Top plate.
Flame spreader.
Filler cap and built in funnel
Sheen’s Plumber’s Red Furnace (Kerosene 1 gallon – 1940c)
Notes: This furnace, from the Sedgman collection, was made by The Forest Engineering Co. in Nottingham. The top plate is embossed as ‘The Red Furnace’ and has a cast flame spreader plate that sits on the top plate. The cowl at the top appears to be a replacement. This furnace is a coil type and the top of the coil may be seen in the image of the Top Plate (above).
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The Terrence Marsh Lantern Gallery 