This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/30/2005.
Tremendous example of an old-time barber's towel steamer, this antique stands over 58" high and is in truly magnificent condition. The copper clad compartments stand on a white porcelain finished base. There are six pipes with gauges, valves and brass fittings, with threaded ends for water and gas feed and return. On top of the base and below the compartments is attached a burner plate below an iron heating element that protrudes downward from the water canister above. The bottom compartment has a ring of holes through which steam can escape. The hinged upper lid recedes into the spherical roof to expose the towel compartment, from which hot towels could be extracted. The condition of the clad copper is a joy to see, bright, shiny and practically unblemished with extremely minor wear. The brass plate on the towel compartment reads "J. Souvay Inc., Manufacturers of Barbers' Fixtures" with partial New York address. The brass plate on the bottom compartment reads "Notice, when sterilizer is in operation do not shut off cold water supply. Keep water level in upper compartment above arrow notch on gauge. Tested to 200 lbs. pressure, S. Blickman, New York, Patented Dec. 17, 1912."