Vintage Bardahl AC tester, retro thermometer, old garage tool

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Vintage Bardahl air conditioning tester, as seen in the photo. It is a mechanical dial thermometer designed to monitor temperature during the maintenance or diagnosis of air conditioning systems. The round dial features clear graduations in degrees Celsius, ranging from -30°C to +100°C, with a central red needle. The inscriptions "BARDAHL" and "TESTEUR DE CLIM" (AC TESTER) are clearly visible on the lower part of the dial, confirming the specific use of this instrument.

The tester consists of a circular casing with a transparent surface, revealing the yellow and white colored dial. The elongated stem, attached to the back of the casing, is designed to be inserted into an airflow or duct to measure the operating temperature of an air conditioning system. The casing has a metallic finish, while the stem appears light-colored, likely metallic or of similar appearance, though the precise material cannot be confirmed without explicit mention.

The overall style and graphic design of the dial, combined with the typography and Bardahl logo, evoke a retro production era, probably from the 1970s to 1980s, typical of garage or mechanical workshop accessories of that period. The object is strictly utilitarian, without superfluous decorative elements, which aligns with the professional or semi-professional purpose of this type of tool.

The item is presented on a rough wooden table, with natural light highlighting the patina and reflections of the casing. No accessories or packaging are visible in the image. No information on the back or mounting is available, only the front face and stem are shown.

The dial is in good visual condition, with no apparent cracks or major scratches on the transparent surface, but slight wear consistent with the tool's age may be observed, particularly around the border. The graduation remains perfectly legible, ensuring reading functionality.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows minor signs of use on the dial and stem, with no missing parts or breakage on the shown face.

Did you know? The Bardahl brand, founded in 1939 in the United States, is internationally recognized for its automotive additives and maintenance products. Mechanical air conditioning testers were widely used in workshops before the advent of electronic devices, offering quick and reliable temperature readings for diagnosing automotive and industrial air conditioning systems.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping provided by a professional seller, specializing in authentic technical and vintage items.

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