Historical information

A blowtorch is a fuel-burning tool used for applying flame and heat to various applications, usually metalworking. Early blowlamps used liquid fuel, carried in a refillable reservoir attached to the lamp. Modern blowtorches are mostly gas-fuelled. Their fuel reservoir is disposable or refillable by exchange. The term "blowlamp" usually refers to liquid-fuelled torches still used in the UK. Liquid-fuelled torches are pressurized by a piston hand pump, while gas torches are self-pressurized by the fuel evaporation. In 1882, a new vaporizing technique was developed by C. R. Nyberg in Sweden, and the year after, the production of the Nyberg blow lamp started. It was quickly copied or licensed by many other manufacturers. The US blowlamp was independently developed with a distinctive flared base and was fuelled by gasoline, whereas the European versions used kerosene for safety and low cost.

Significance

The family of Mr Howcroft were early settlers in Moorabbin Shire

Physical description

A brass blow-torch

Inscriptions & markings

B.A. HJOP Co. STOCKHOLM SWEDEN