Otto Bernz antique stove

[Carm]

Does anyone have any information on old kerosene stoves like this one? It is an Otto Bernz of Rochester NY. I cant seem to find any info or pictures on the web. Maybe one of you all who are into the old torches and stuff can steer me in the right direction.

[Paul B]

I don't know anything about your Otto Bernz stove, except that it looks similar to the ones I've seen plumbers use to melt lead, back when they use to pour and caulk the joints in cast iron pipe.

[Kodiak]

Carm,
I did a search also and all I found was about Otto Bernz and his plummers tool company of the late 1800's. Which later became BernzOmatic. Might try a tool forum under antique tools? If you haven't already. I would venture to say Paul is probably right about heating up a lead pot for plummers work.

Kodiak

[George Willer]

That's exactly like the lead furnace I had for many years and foolishly let go at my auction in 1999. It isn't fueled by kerosene... but white gas. Coleman fuel works fine in them. Pump gas will quickly plug the generator, and kerosene won't work at all

The 3 step projections on top form the cradle for the rounded bottom of the lead pot. There should also be a sheet metal shield that hooks under the notches in their outer edge. This keeps air currents from chilling the pot.

On the left in the second picture is the pump to pressurize the fuel tank so it will flow up to the top and down through the generator coil so it will be heated and vaporized.

[beaconlight]

It works just like a coleman lantern in that it vaporizes the fuel. Telephone co splicers used to use them to melt lead to wipe joints on cable too.

Bill

[Carm]

I have the lead melting pot as well. The lantern was all rusted and is pitted, but I cleaned it up. I need some new nuts and a piece of rubber for the pump. I think I will just make the rubber pump piece. I guess I'll just clean it up some more and put it to work. I wish I had better luck finding information/pictures of it so I could paint it up original. I'll keep trying to look. Thanks for the info gang. I was told by the owner that it is kerosene fueled, you are supposed to start an alcohol fire in the pan below the burner to heat up the works, then light the kero....but maybe it is white gas...I hope it is, because it'll be easier to start. Thanks again.

[Eugene]

You might try several of the larger sporting goods/hunting supplies stores for pump parts and seals. Some carry repair parts for Coleman and other manufacturers stoves and lanterns.

Eugene

[beaconlight]

The old blow torches worked with a pan to pre heat the fuel. They called it a generator in those days. They used White gas too. Used to but Amoco White gas for them.

Bill

[George Willer]

The old blow torches worked with a pan to pre heat the fuel. They called it a generator in those days. They used White gas too. Used to but Amoco White gas for them.

Bill

Carm's lead furnace has a pan to pre-heat the generator, just as the blow torches do.

[Carm]

I haven't found any new info as of yet, however I came across anice piece of leather and the pump seems to be functioning, as well as the check valve. I will see if it holds pressure tomorrow.

[Jim Becker]

Maybe it will run better on avgas.

[beaconlight]

Probably not Jim. Didn't it come out that Av gas is still leaded?

Bill

[Carm]

Avgas IS leaded, but I'm not that interested in blowing myself up....thanks Jim. PS Jim...I'll be in Dallas in middle of June...I may look you up if its ok. And Donny too.

[Jim Becker]

Carm,
Sure thing, I'm likely to be here most of June. Maybe you can hit a weekend with a show. When you work out your plans for Dallas send me an email or pm.

[Carm]

Will do ...


i will arrive on the 19th and leave o the28th....I think the weekend is open.. I'll let you know...thanks