Blowtorch [Painters]
Maker and role
Optimus, Manufacturer
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2003.471
Maker
Production period
Description
Blowtorch - Painter's heat torch for burning off paint. The copper container holds the kerosene which is pressurised by a pump valve at the top of the fuel tank. The tank holds approximately one litre of fuel. The pump valve and plunger are made of brass. On the other side of the fuel tank at the top is a brass filler cap with a wing top. Written on the wing is "Sweden" on one side and "Optimus" on the other side. A release valve, also made of brass, screws into the side of the inlet pipe. This allows for the pressure in the fuel tank to be governed or depressurised as required. A tube extends out of the fuel bowl at the top and almost at right angles along the barrel of the torch, and then doubling back to a fine nozzle positioned above the centre of the tank. The fuel under pressure flows along the tube and the tube is heated by the flame of the torch. This turns the kerosene into a vapour as it leaves the nozzle. A steel strap is screwed to the front of the fuel tank. This steel strap runs up and over the barrel of the torch forming a handle on the other side of the tank. The handle is hollow and ventilated by holes to reduce the heat transference. The muzzle and barrel of the torch is made of copper. The barrel is ventilated and there are apertures on both sides of the barrel just in front of the fuel jet nozzle for lighting the torch. There is a steel ring sight on the top of the barrel and a V-sight at the front to localise the area being treated. On the circular back plate of the barrel are the words: "Sweden" and "Optimus" and also some Arabic script.
On the side of the fuel tank is written OPTIMUS, Made in Sweden 411. Etched below the Optimus etching is a world globe with a banner Optimus across the centre. The land mass of Sweden appears above the banner on the globe.
On the side of the fuel tank is written OPTIMUS, Made in Sweden 411. Etched below the Optimus etching is a world globe with a banner Optimus across the centre. The land mass of Sweden appears above the banner on the globe.
Marks
OPTIMUS / Made in Sweden 411 Etched
Credit Line
Optimus. Blowtorch [Painters], 2003.471. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.