Sounds suspiciously like "scope" irons
These ran off a 3V 30A transformer, and used some form of arc to heat the
tip.
There is a small element which is moved back and forwards by a ring, or
"trigger bar" depending upon which model it is.
These heat up FAST, and the real skill in using one is the manual control
of the duty cycle on the transformer. (typically 1:30 from memory)
I have the small orange microelectronics model (with transformer etc) but
found it difficult to use when teaching others. I use it only when I know
there is no chance of someone else picking up the iron and cooking the
transformer.

If you need parts, there are places still offering them.

Des bromilow
Brisbane
OZ

"Roger Shoaf" wrote in message
...
My boss shows up with two old soldering irons today, one is a small iron
probably used for stained glass work but the other was rather strange.
The
business end of the iron was about an inch in diameter and hollow. When
this is unscrewed, the handle end has a (for lack of a better description)
firing pin. This is actuated by a spring loaded plunger in the handle.

Any one know about this tool?

--

Roger Shoaf

About the time I had mastered getting the toothpaste back in the tube,
then
they come up with this striped stuff.