old 200W AMERICAN BEAUTY ELECTRIC SOLDERING IRON

This was a 'storage locker find' along with another (to be shown shortly) much like it. It is an "American Beauty" SOLDERING IRON made by "AMERICAN ELECTRICAL HEATER CO." of 'Detroit, U.S.A.". Cat. No.3158. Its cloth covered 'heater type' cord is distressed and electrical taped as is (what's left of) its 2-prong bakelite plug. (thus NO, I did not try to plug it in to see if it works...it probably does though...?) Its painted wooden handle holds its working parts plus the nameplate 'heat guard', which presumably disassemble to allow removal/replacement/etc of its copper tip. (I didn't try to take it apart, either?)

The little metal 'rest' for it is just one of several similar which were also in the box this iron was found in, and isn't necessarily anything that would have 'come with it' as much as just a generic thing meant to be used with it. (or any other sort of soldering iron)

I've gotta think (but don't know for sure) it was probably made in the 1930's-40's (maybe older?) and likely spent much of its previous work-life being used to solder the seams of galvanized air ducts together. It (and similar irons) are indeed the near perfect tool for that particular task...don't ask me how I know that... ;-) :-)