I seem to recall, in the late 70s, early 80s, the zefals were the /2nd/ best pumps, their main downfall was how easily they dented.
re: direct-on-the-presto-valve pumps, I never had any problems doing this with a long barrel pump. I'd hook my thumb over the tire, and forefinger around the end of the pump, with the other fingers around the base of the barrel of the pump, and had no problems pumping silk tubulars to 120, even 140psi. since those tubulars had latex inner tubes, you were doing this several times a day if you cared, your tires would be nearly completely flat the next day.