Author Topic: National Pressure Cooker  (Read 3033 times)

ysageev

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National Pressure Cooker
« on: May 24, 2006, 03:30:18 PM »
Just picked this up at the flea market, complete.  It is large, about the size of a 10-12 dutch oven.  

Includes book and all attachments.  I couldn't find a date in the book but I am estimating 1950s.  

Wagner bought National, right? Comments? Value?
« Last Edit: February 01, 2017, 12:26:06 AM by lillyc »

ysageev

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Re: National Pressure Cooker
« Reply #1 on: May 24, 2006, 03:30:34 PM »
book
« Last Edit: February 01, 2017, 12:26:50 AM by lillyc »

Offline Duke Gilleland

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Re: National Pressure Cooker
« Reply #2 on: May 24, 2006, 06:30:32 PM »
Have 3-4 of these in various models and brands.  Inherited them... Can make you a SWEET deal on them ;D On a serious note, they make great fish fryers!
Nowhere But TEXAS!

Offline Tom Neitzel

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Re: National Pressure Cooker
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2006, 08:39:10 AM »
To the best of my knowledge they have not had anything to do with Wagner.  The company became Presto and is now known as National Presto.  Here's a link.

http://www.gopresto.com/information/history.php?PHPSESSID=6d4888

Guardian Service also had a pressure cooker like this in the 1950s.  I suspect they jobbed the work out to Presto but don't know for sure.  The design is essentially identical so I would have expected a patent infringement by Guardian if they had manufactured it.

Tom

The picture in the recipe book looks 40s or early 50's at the latest.  They moved to plastic handles by the end of the 50's.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2006, 08:40:43 AM by tomnn2000 »

ysageev

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Re: National Pressure Cooker
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2006, 11:05:16 AM »
Yep, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Thanks Tom.  

The wood handles are very nice.  I'm going to refinish them and give them a bit of polyurethane.

The main problem I have right now is that it is too big to clean.  I can't boil it in cream of tarter because I don't have a big enough container.  Right now it is soaking in vinegar/CoT/CLR solution that is cold.

The cooker is quite attractive, I'll post a better photo when (IF) it is clean.

BTW, here is a tongue twister:

Say "Homer Formby's Furniture Refinisher" really fast.  I tripped up on these yesterday pretty embarrasingly. ;D

Duke -- post a pic!

Offline Tom Neitzel

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Re: National Pressure Cooker
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2006, 12:12:05 PM »
Quote

The main problem I have right now is that it is too big to clean.  I can't boil it in cream of tarter because I don't have a big enough container.  Right now it is soaking in vinegar/CoT/CLR solution that is cold.



You don't need to boil it the whole time, just need hot water to make it go faster.  You could bring several batches up to a boil then pour it into a larger container like a tub or your old rusty garbage container.  I know you know, but take the handles and gauge off before soaking.

By the way, you can still get the parts for this cooker.  Buy a new sealing ring, check the gauge and you can can away.  I have the 21 quart version (30 years old, just a kid) that I use a lot for canning stock and even have used it as a giant steamer to steam some Copper River Salmon filets for a family picnic once (15 people).  Cooked in just a few minutes, no pressure, had some dill on them, then added a very mild, delicate, warm yogurt based curry sauce and some fresh steamed baby asparagus.

No leftovers.

Tom
« Last Edit: May 25, 2006, 12:19:23 PM by tomnn2000 »