very unique and unusual custom-built factory machinist stockroom stepladder comprised entirely of "found" components. salvaged from an american steam gauge factory. the industrial folk art portable stepladder consists mainly of heavy gauge cold-rolled steel welded in place. the collapsible ladder contains two rungs and a folded edge platform. the surface of each step contains a soldered tread mark appearing as a crude pattern of raised metal bumps. the stringers or stiles are comprised of u-channels and tubular steel pipe with pinched ends. the stabilizing hinge with end-hook is made of wrought strap metal. the ladder is structurally sound and stable when locked in its outstretched position. maker is unknown, but manufacture dates to the 1920's. the ladder has been thoroughly refinished (i.e. brushed) inside and out. in 1851, when steam as motive power was still in its infancy, the american steam gauge & valve co. began the manufacture of a few steam specialties. in 1922 they merged with the schaeffer & budenberg mfg. co. of brooklyn, n.y., with american steam gauge becoming a "division" of that organization.