The house was built in 1954, I’m sure this is original. I’ve never seen one before, and am not sure how it works, being the burner is totally separate from the tank. Looks like a 1 1/4 pipe connects them. Maybe it’s the original “instant water heater”?
Not sure I should call out the cast fitting that supplies the hot water and the TPRV connection.
Seller was present, a 93 old lady. She was weed eating this morning when I got there, and was getting ready to mow the steep front yard with her new electric lawnmower. She said she just didn’t have strength to pull start the gas one anymore! :shock:
I have a State 40 gallon water heater that has been operating continuously for 40 years since 1975. I’m afraid to touch anything for fear it might stop working. Well beyond its lifespan by today’s standards. Your example takes the cake as it appears to be more of a boiler system with a separate holding tank. If it works it works. Relief valve line appears to share another line originating from above the holding tank.
I saw something similar, it worked similar to a tankless water heater, water flows through a coil surrounding a gas flame. The one I saw had been used for a hot water heating system.
Thanks for sharing. The company is still around making gas appliance connector among other things. Dormont | Watts Brands. I never knew they made water heaters.
