Got the globe for $15 and the gauge for $1. Any idea what an early oxygen gauge would be used for? Welding?
Very good info you provided, Thanks.Yeah, I would say the gauge is for an acetelyne torch set.
The development of the internal combustion engine and automotive transportation led to an industrial resurgence at La Crosse.
One person who took advantage of the new automotive industry was Philo M. Gelatt. His Northern Engraving Company was already a successful producer of printing equipment when he purchased the Hans Motor Co. in 1913 and renamed it the National Gauge and Equipment Company to more accurately reflect its products, i.e. gauges and instruments for autos. When the economy boomed in the 1920s, Gelatt sold National Gauge. Later acquired by the Autolite Company, the company grew into one of the largest manufacturers in La Crosse. Autolite remained in town until1958 and took twenty percent of the city’s manufacturing jobs when it left.