Gasteam Radiator

[Vintage Veloce]

I saw this on Reddit posted by a guy named calcasieu

It looks like a pretty cool idea for heat in places that might lose power. He's in Texas and it sounds like it saved his bacon.

calcasieu says:
It is a Clow Gasteam Radiator (Marked model No. N-27). I don't know exactly how old it is, because it came with my house - but I'd guess sometime in the 20s. Totally self-contained. There is a threaded plug where you fill it with water periodically and it very gradually releases steam when hot. Mostly "decorative" since we have a central air heat pump which keeps us warm just fine in Austin - except when the low is 9F and the electricity is out for three days lol. No outside exhaust. I've got a carbon monoxide and gas detector in the same room and it has never registered a problem, but I also don't run it when I'm not at home. I treat it with the same respect I would a fireplace or a stovetop I suppose!

 

[Ag 85]

Just joined Garage Journal while researching nameplate reproduction posted by Pupuhd. Amazing work.
The above Clow Gasteam is a Colonial model Code Word Gulp 15 Section 4 Column 18,000 BTU. According to the 1929 James B Clow & Sons catalog. I have a 12 and a 4 section Colonial that I restored and are similar. Pictures attached. Also Included picture of a restored Gothic 3 Section 6 Column which needs correct nameplate. Used them during the freeze in 2021. I have rescued 10 of these Clow heaters so far. Restored 5. The steam pressure mechanically regulates gas flow to maintain temperature. I love old American Made iron.

 

[Vintage Veloce]

Just joined Garage Journal while researching nameplate reproduction posted by Pupuhd. Amazing work.
The above Clow Gasteam is a Colonial model Code Word Gulp 15 Section 4 Column 18,000 BTU. According to the 1929 James B Clow & Sons catalog. I have a 12 and a 4 section Colonial that I restored and are similar. Pictures attached. Also Included picture of a restored Gothic 3 Section 6 Column which needs correct nameplate. Used them during the freeze in 2021. I have rescued 10 of these Clow heaters so far. Restored 5. The steam pressure mechanically regulates gas flow to maintain temperature. I love old American Made iron.

Those are fantastic!

 

[dogdog]

how does these thing works ? Just a small nozzle jet for what ever gas burning inside the radiator as if it was a thick metal plate off the stove top ?

 

[Ag 85]

Yes there is a jet/orifice that feeds gas to the main burner. Can be jetted for LPG or manufactured gas (Natural Gas). Also much more. There is a sealed steam chamber built into cast iron hallow sections. The steam rises and distributes heat evenly then condenses and returns to reservoir above main burner. The warm cast iron radiates heat and creates draft with surface area to circulate heat with out a fan. Handy for warming and drying boots or gloves. The control magic is the diaphragms (steam side and Gas side) that use pressure in steam chamber to regulate gas flow to maintain safe temperature. No electronics just mechanical pressure based on steam temperature. After restoration I temporarily install temperature / pressure gage to verify all is operating correctly and that pressure relief safety operate. The attached pages from 1929 catalog explain details much better than I could. Those old timers really knew how to design and manufacture products . I do have one newer 1930's Clow with Mechanical thermostat that turns main burner completely off leaves pilot on. It also has standard diaphragm flame/temperature control. Last picture experimented with Nickle plating some parts. Not original but I like the look.

 

[Trainmaster]

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