Weller soldering iron how old?

[johnbennetch]

I found this at a Restore and who's I knew how old it is. The original papers have prices in them. And they are so cheap it would have to be very old. Also it it was made in Easton Pa. I live close by but never knew that they were from here. Anyone have a clue on the age. It appears to be a bakelite housing. That alone puts it before plastic?

 

[Lx460]

Early 1950s.

Very cool find.

 

[johnbennetch]

Looks like I got a good price. I paid $8.00 and according to the price sheet that may be close to the original price.

 

[Lx460]

Does it have that satisfying loud hum when you pull the trigger? The one where you're almost scared you are going to get electrocuted.

 

[johnbennetch]

Yes it does, but I don't mind. I like that it is ready to work in seconds not minutes. I tend to be very impatient, or maybe industrious. I like to see progress now and not fool around. My dad had this type of gun that was those distinctive hollow bolts to lock to tip in tight. After getting into motor repair as a teenager and now a generator technician. I have been thru about every different varieties of guns and this still is the one. Several years ago I found one of the same vintage ad my dads. Still new in the box with all the paper work and tools. It also was at a Restore. I love to stop at them on my lunch break. I travel 6 state's for my job. Nothing breaks up the monotony like treasure hunts.This soldering gun is an older vintage than my dads. I am building a shop right now and I think when I dig out all my tools to store them properly my wife will have a fit. I remember getting deals like this that I have not seen since. It is somewhere in my small attached garage packed away. Can't wait to get them all organized.

 

[Alan Douglas]

I bought mine (also 250 watt) around 1958, but this one with the rows of round ventilation holes is older.

 

[4xdog]

The patent number on the tag was issued in 1946. So, for sure, no earlier than that. 1950-ish sounds about right.

I have almost the same gun -- passed down the family for years. The hum indeed rattles me, but the thing works. I used it a couple of weeks ago.

 

[oldwino]

I have on I inherited from my dad...I remember burning holes in stuff I shouldn't have back in the 50's. Cool find

 

[404]

What a nice find. I think the Bakelite was used on the models I have from the 1990s.

 

[johnbennetch]

Does anyone know what years they were in Easton pa. I don't recall that I have ever seen them in the area. But maybe they are out of sight. Do you think I should fill out the warranty card??? Lol