4 



Figure 24. — Patent model 



of 1876 flare torch. 



(Smithsonian photo 

 10342-F.) 



Figure 25. — Collapsible lantern, 

 1876. (Smithsonian photo 49927-F.) 



Figure 26. — Patent model of two-burner 

 tin torch, 1877. (Smithsonian photo 

 50546.) 



BROOM TORCH, 1 876 FiS.ure 22 



No example found. 



Carrying his invention still further, G. F. Hollis, in 

 1876, sought to procure a design patent on the same 

 torch combining it with a broom or brush. This 

 device was designed for use in political and other 

 clubs. The supporting wires were somewhat longer 

 than those described in patent 180585, so that they 

 could be fastened to the stick which is below the 

 straw portion of the broom. In seeking this patent, 

 Hollis identifies this device as something to be "Used 

 as an emblem or symbol of victory." No patent 

 model was submitted with the patent request. 



TIN TORCH, 1876 Figure 23 



USNM 332317 (Patent model) 



This torch, patented by Moritz Saulson in 1876, 

 and assigned to Minnie Saulson of Troy, New York, 

 includes such improvements as a bent shank. The 

 shank has at one end a pair of arms which are pivoted 

 to the cup and at the other end a swiveled connection 

 with the torch handle. The diameter of the torch 

 bowl is 5 inches and the bowl is 3% inches high. 

 The purpose of this invention was to provide a torch 

 whose Ijowl would remain always in a vertical position 



regardless of how it was carried. Although such a 

 torch was devised as early as I860,* Saulson claimed 

 his device to be cheaper and more effective. Another 

 example of this type of torch is in the J. Doyle De- 

 Witt Collection. 



FLARE TORCH, 1 876 Fioure 24 



USNM 251746 (Patent model) 



A great contribution was made to parade parapher- 

 nalia when, in 1876, Ira W. Shaler of Brooklyn, New 

 York, patented a more elaljorate torch known as the 

 "flare torch." This torch is made of tin, painted red, 

 and has a long bulbous handle. The torch is com- 

 posed of an ordinary lamp or reservoir, such as is used 

 for burning heavy oils, and is provided with a wick 

 tube. A small tube passes through the lamp; the 

 upper end is close to the wick tube and the lower end 

 extends through the cylindrical projection formed on 

 the bottom of the lamp. A metal tube forms part of 

 the handle of the torch. Near the lower end of the 

 tube is a cross-partition. Above this, the tube is 

 filled with sawdust saturated with benzine, naphtha, 

 or other volatile hydrocarbon liquid. A perforated 



' Claims 1 and 2 of the original patent request interfered 

 with those met by L. T. Pitkin, September 18, 1860, in a 

 patent on lamps. 



26 



BULLETIN 24 1 : CONTRIBUTION.g FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY 



