Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

Two Bunsen burners from Fletcher Russell Company and an unsigned glass tubing burner (early 20^th century)

Two Bunsen burners from Fletcher Russel and an unsigned glass tubing burner. The first burner on the top was featured in the catalogues of several firms, usually named as “Fletcher’s patent safety Bunsen” (Figure 1). Fletcher Russell and Company was established by Thomas Fletcher (1840 - 1903). By 1880s, the company started a gas appliance manufactory in Thynne Street, Warrington. By 1895, the company become Fletcher Russell and Co Gas Engineers, after merging with Alexander and William Russell of Pendleton Iron Works. The 1901 directory gives their address as Palatine Works, Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, manufacturing all types of gas equipment including fires, cookers and water heaters as well as laboratory equipment. Around 1950, the firm merged into Radiation Ltd, which was later acquired by 'TI New World'.

Figure 1. Fletcher’s patent safety Bunsen as engraved in the catalogues of Townson & Mercer (1888 and 1894) and Gallenkamp (1939)

References

Fletcher Type Bunsen Burner, 1910-1913 (https://collection.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/objects/co12741/fletcher-type-bunsen-burner-1910-1913-bunsen-burner), last accessed on 17.09.2021

LAST EDITED: 17.09.2021