Plumber's Antique Blow Torch With A WWII Naval History

Description

Plumber's Antique Torch With A History
Offered for auction is this plumber's antique torch. This torch was the property of a pipe fitter who worked at the Jacksonville (Florida) Shipyards during WWII, where "Liberty Ships" were being built as rapidly as possible for the war effort. This torch was among several tools he used in his work, pipe joining and wiping the solder joints on these ships. (Note: The only evidence I have of this use was the verbal history relayed to me by the now-deceased former owner, but his story is solid, and it's not the kind of thing that one "makes up".)
Condition
It is an antique. It is old. It is dirty. And no, it doesn't work. Perhaps it could be made to work, but I'm not going to attempt it. You generally don't buy something like this to have a working torch... you buy it for the character of the item, and the collectible and historic significance.
The fuel cap is missing, and there are no identifiable markings as to manufacturer or model. It is as it is. Perhaps you will want to clean and polish it and make it look new again (if this is possible)... or you may want to leave it tarnished and soiled for a more authentic appearance. I'll leave that choice up to you: I will make no attempt to clean it, so you will receive it in the condition exactly as shown in the photo.
What's Included
The torch as shown in the photos.
Shipping
This item will be carefully wrapped and packaged, and shipped to you by the lowest-cost method. If you need it sooner, specify express shipping at checkout. I ship every day of the week except Sunday, so your item will go out the same day or no later than next business day after payment is received. Item may also be picked-up in person in the Gainesville, Florida area which will reduce shipping costs to zero.
A bit of history
The 2,700 Liberty Ships that were rapidly built at 18 different shipyards across the nation were crucial to meeting our nation's challenge in World War II. Only two of those ships remain today: the S.S. John W. Brown (now in Baltimore), and the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien (in San Francisco). Interestingly, BOTH of these remaining ships were built in Jacksonville, and it is likely that this torch was used in their construction. What a tribute to the quality of work performed by this pipe fitter and everyone else at the Jacksonville Shipyards, all those years ago!
Thank You!
kc.jimmy
20+ YEARS on eBay as both a seller and buyer  ·  100% positive feedback