Historical information

These mid-1960s Peacock and Gold brand lighter fuel hand warmers were used in Falls Creek to keep out the cold. The concept behind the hand warmer is that through combustion (ignition) of lighter fluid (light petrol distillate) it becomes a catalytic heater, relying on a catalysed chemical reaction to break down molecules and create heat. The devices could get quite hot, not hot enough to set paper on fire, but hot enough to give a nasty burn if sustained contact against your skin occurred.

The construction of the device is very simple. There is very fine rolled wire mesh which fits on top of the reservoir body. After you fill the reservoir with lighter fluid, vapor pressure builds up. The device ignites by heating the grill with a match or lighter until it glows red. There is no open flame. The hand warmer also had a velvet bag to place it in after igniting to prevent direct skin contact. They were able to generate heat for up to a whole day.

The Japanese company Yamato Shokai Ltd was founded in 1923 in the city of Osaka. Destroyed during air raids in 1945, the factory was rebuilt in 1946. They manufactured the Peacock brand pocket-warmer and sold it internationally.

Significance

These items are significant because they were commonly used at Falls Creek.

Physical description

The pocket warmer is a small, relatively flat device with a tank at the bottom and a burner mechanism a t the top. "PEACOCK/MADE IN JAPAN" is engraved near the burner. The warmer fits into a metal case which features a series of ventilation holes in the shape of a peacock's tail.

Inscriptions & markings

JAPANESE
PAT. 237413.483177
MADE IN JAPAN