Joshua Lambert

Joshua Lambert was born on his father Solomon’s homestead in 1837. As a formal education was not available in those early days of Michigan Statehood, Joshua spent his youth learning the trade of blacksmithing. In the early 1880’s, Joshua went into business with a man named Nelson J. Clayton, under the name “Clayton, Lambert & Co.”

Antique Clayton & Lambert Vintage Brass Blow Torch for Decoration, 11" Tall. Made in Detroit MI 1921. Condition is very good based on its age and 100 years of existence and use. Very nice display piece. Sheet Metal tag on front is solid copper. I did not verify that it works but all valves, the pump and fittings move freely and as they should. All threads very nice with no stripped fittings. Brass is very nice with signs of copper discoloration which happens over time and when subjected to heat. The brass could be polished and brought back to its original luster but the patina on this item looks great the way it is. There are signs of solder repairs on the top(shown in pics) but this also adds to the cool look of this item.

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Joshua Lambert was born on his father Solomon’s homestead in 1837. As a formal education was not available in those early days of Michigan Statehood, Joshua spent his youth learning the trade of blacksmithing. In the early 1880’s, Joshua went into business with a man named Nelson J. Clayton, under the name “Clayton, Lambert & Co.”

image002In 1888, having developed new designs for blowtorches and firepots, Nelson and Joshua began operating under the name “Clayton & Lambert Manufacturing Company”. In 1891 the company was incorporated under the laws of the state of Michigan by Nelson Clayton, Joshua Lambert, and Joshua’s three sons, John, Charles, and Bert, each holding equal shares.

By 1899, demand for the Company’s products had increased beyond its production capacity, and a larger manufacturing facility was sought out. In 1902, a new factory was constructed on the corner of Beaubien St. and Trombly Ave. in Detroit. The new headquarters consisted of a two-story 117’x120’ general factory building, and a two-story 60’x217’ foundry building. By 1909, C&L had become the nation’s largest manufacturer of heat tools, having 80% of the US market along with a sizable export market.

The torch and firepot business continued to prosper, developing strong distribution throughout the United States and Canada. The Company’s products were evaluated by users as the finest of their kind in the world. The Clayton & Lambert policy of fair, equal dealing was known and respected by all in the trade.

In the spring of 1913, Nelson J. Clayton passed away, leaving the Lambert brothers to run the company.