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Vintage Western Fire Equipment Co. FORESTER Seal-Tite drip torch / backfire torch, made in San Francisco, California.
Excellent original piece of vintage American forestry and wildland firefighting equipment with strong, clearly visible factory markings.
MARKINGS:
FORESTER
No. 4X001-B
U.S. PATENT No. 2376976
SAN FRANCISCO
U.S.A.
Period forestry advertising identifies the FORESTER Seal-Tite as a Western Fire Equipment Co. product manufactured at 69 Main Street, San Francisco, California. Period advertising also states that this model was approved for use by the U.S. Forest Service.
The original advertising describes the Seal-Tite as a 1-1/4 gallon drip torch designed to burn diesel fuel or stove oil, with features including a fuel trap, check valve and flash-back screen.
This example retains its long curved delivery tube, distinctive loop, control/valve hardware, burner assembly with mesh covering, tank and handle.
Very attractive untouched vintage condition with age, wear, discoloration and patina from decades of storage/use. I have intentionally NOT cleaned or polished it because I believe the original surface is an important part of the piece.
Please study all photographs carefully for exact condition, completeness and measurements. The photographs are part of the description.
A great display piece for collectors of:
• U.S. Forest Service memorabilia
• Wildland firefighting equipment
• Forestry tools
• Firefighting antiques
• California / San Francisco history
• Industrial antiques
• Vintage fire equipment
A particularly nice example because the FORESTER model designation, patent number and San Francisco markings remain clearly readable.
Sold as a vintage collectible/display item. It has not been tested for operation and is not represented as safe or suitable for present-day fuel or firefighting use.
