Blowpipe

This blowpipe, by an unknown maker, was formerly owned by Tom Gamble, W. Whital, and William Littlejohn & Son who were watchmakers, jewellers, and opticians.

This is a hollow metal tube which tapers gradually to a narrow opening and has a 90˚ curve near the tip. The word "France" is stamped across tube in small lettering.

This type of blowpipe is used in soldering. Air is pushed through the thin tube and directed through a flame to produce a small, intense jet of heat that melts soldering wire onto a surface. The work that is to be soldered is held by tweezers or tongs on the opposite side of the flame.

This method of soldering was commonly used in jewellery making.